Method and apparatus to evaluate audio equipment via filter banks for dynamic distortions and or differential phase and frequency modulation effects

ABSTRACT

A testing method or apparatus utilizes filter banks to measure time varying or dynamic harmonic distortion or intermodulation distortion from a device. With a stairstep or arbitrary signal and filter banks, Nth order harmonic and or intermodulation distortion is measured via the filter banks at different offsets provided by an arbitrary low frequency signal. 
     An amplifier with crossover distortion will show increased harmonic and or intermodulation distortion near the zero crossing while providing less distortion in other portions of the transfer curve of the amplifier. One or more distortion signals from the device (e.g., audio device) may be measured for a phase and or frequency modulation effect.

This application is a continuation U.S. application Ser. No. 14/284,295filed on May 21, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part of, U.S.application Ser. No. 13/907,821 filed May 31, 2013, U.S. applicationSer. No. 13/556,556 filed Jul. 24, 2012, of U.S. application Ser. No.12/875,563 filed Sep. 3, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/707,425 filed Feb. 17, 2010, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/456,752 filed Jun.22, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.11/508,700 filed Aug. 23, 2006, which claims benefit of U.S. provisionalSer. No. 60/721,027 filed Sep. 27, 2005, which are incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND

This invention is related to the testing of audio equipment and, inparticular, analog to digital converters (ADC), digital to analogconverters (DAC), digital audio processors or recorders, audioamplifiers, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

Presently, conventional harmonic and or intermodulation distortion testsare used to measure the performance of the audio equipment.

An intermodulation distortion test provides for two tones to be appliedto the device, in which the amplitude of the sum and or difference ofthe tones may appear at the output of the device. In one case an AMdetector (or amplitude measurement) is used for evaluating second orderamplitudes of the difference and or sum of the frequency intermodulationproducts (e.g., F1+F2 and or F1−F2).

In another intermodulation distortion measurement, two tones are coupledto the device and the amplitudes of the third order intermodulationdistortion products (e.g., 2F1+F2, 2F1−F2, 2F2−F1, and or 2F2+F1) aremeasured.

While these conventional tests are fine for many basic evaluations ofthe equipment, there still exist discrepancies between the sonicsignature of amplifiers and equipment even with comparable distortionperformance from the prior art testing methods. The conventionalharmonic and intermodulation distortion measurements are done with azero offset signal. Thus a new method of testing is required.

In audio testing, distortion is generally measured at a nominal (fixed)bias point for harmonic distortion. In the case of mechanicalreproducing systems such as tape recorders and or phonograph players,conventional test methods are measuring harmonic and or intermodulationdistortion. For measuring mechanical speed stability of the recorder orplayback device, a single tone at about 3.00 KHz (or 3.15 KHz) isrecorded and played back to assess Wow and Flutter (W & F).

It is well known in the past 40 years that video equipment uses adifferent set of performance tests. One of these tests is thedifferential phase measurement, which is based on a combined luma andchroma signal (e.g., modulated ramp or stairstep waveform and whereinthe chroma signal is demodulated by a phase detector). This differentialphase test allows an objective measurement of how a color signal of aparticular color would change in hue under different brightness levels.

It is well known that program audio comprised of musical instruments andor voice may be a mixture of various low to middle frequency tones of anominal (high) amplitude along with some smaller level of higherfrequency components. Of course amplitude levels of low, middle, andhigher frequencies occur in music.

It would be advantageous to provide different methods for addressingalternatives in testing audio equipment or other types of equipment.

SUMMARY

A testing method or apparatus utilizes a filter bank or filter banks tomeasure time varying or dynamic harmonic distortion or intermodulationdistortion. With a stairstep signal and filter bank(s), Nth orderharmonic and or intermodulation distortion is measured via the filterbanks at different offsets provided by an arbitrary low frequencysignal.

For example, an amplifier with crossover distortion will show increasedharmonic and or intermodulation distortion near the zero crossing whileproviding less distortion in other portions of the transfer curve of theamplifier.

By using filter banks and an arbitrary low frequency signal combinedwith one or more tones, time varying harmonic and or intermodulationdistortion can be measured. For example, a stairstep signal or multiplestep signal of two or more levels is combined with a single or multipletone that is coupled to a device under test will allow measurement ofharmonic and or intermodulation distortion as a function of time and ordynamic offset voltage(s). Furthermore the harmonic and orintermodulation distortion signals from the filter banks may be coupledto phase detector or phase demodulator or frequency modulation detector(e.g., frequency to voltage converter) to measure differential phase,phase modulation, and or frequency modulation effect(s) from any of thedistortion signal (e.g., via one or more filter banks).

One part of the invention is also concerned with measuring induced phaseand or frequency modulation at the output (of any signal) from a devicewhen two or more frequencies are coupled to the input of the device.This method of measuring induced phase and or frequency modulation mayapply to various electronic equipment, amplifiers, processors, or thelike over a wide range of frequencies.

A basic embodiment (of the invention) comprises measuring phase and orfrequency modulation of a device under test (DUT) when two or moresignals are coupled to the input of the DUT, wherein any phase orfrequency modulation of any signal generated at the output of the DUT ismeasured. This basic embodiment may include measuring phase and orfrequency modulation of any of the two or more input signals, harmonicsof any input signals, and or any intermodulation components or productsof the two or more input signals.

In an overview of some embodiments (of the invention), these embodimentsare distinguished over conventional chroma video differential phasetests and standard Wow and Flutter measurement tests.

A distinguishing aspect of the invention over the prior art video chromasignal subcarrier differential phase and or gain measurement systems isthat the differential gain and phase measurements have been used formeasuring the color saturation and or hue distortions for a (composite)color television (TV) signal (such as an NTSC video signal). These colorsaturation and or hue distortions arise from a color subcarrier signalsuperimposed on a video luminance signal. The luminance signal is of alower frequency, which biases the color subcarrier signal (e.g., 3.58MHz NTSC color subcarrier frequency) to different brightness levels. Ifthe video system is not perfect, the result will be that as the picturebrightness changes, the color, which is supposed to display constantcolor saturation and hue, will shift in saturation and or hue. So priorart measurements for chroma differential gain and phase pertains to whatis displayed on a TV monitor in terms of distortions in color saturationand hue. The present invention does not pertain to color saturation orcolor hue distortions as displayed on a TV set.

A distinguishing aspect of the invention over prior art Wow and Fluttermeasurement methods is that prior art Wow and Flutter measurementsystems are not used in amplifier or electronic systems. Instead, theWow and Flutter measurements are to reveal speed irregularities inmechanical record and or playback systems such as tape recorders andphonograph turntables. Until the disclosure of this invention,non-mechanical systems such as amplifiers or audio processors have notbeen tested with a Wow and Flutter meter. Should a standard Wow andFlutter test is made on a non mechanical apparatus such as an amplifier,the Wow and Flutter will measure zero percent. That is, the standardsingle 3000 Hz tone from the Wow and Flutter test source into anamplifier will produce at the amplifier's output a 3000 Hz signalwithout Wow and Flutter and without frequency variations.

One basic discovery by the inventor involves the unexpected measurementof Wow and Flutter in amplifiers with a new testing method (e.g., a newtest method that involves two or more frequencies instead of the onesingle frequency for standard Wow and Flutter measurement). Becauseelectronic (non-mechanical) amplifiers are not known to behave like(mechanical) recorders or play back devices of recorded signals, it isthen a unique process to measure Wow and Flutter via an amplifiercircuit.

The new test method measures small variations of frequency or phaseresponse differences as a function of output or input swing. These phaseor frequency variations show up as Wow and Flutter when a dynamicbiasing signal (which may include close to DC in frequency) is used,hence the need for more than one frequency for a new test in accordancewith the invention.

In a mechanical recorder or playback machine, a speed variation existsupon recording or playback of an electronic signal. This mechanicalplayer or recorder will exhibit an amount of speed variation, whichtranslates to a frequency variation of an electronic signal. Such afrequency variation can lead to the characteristic for example of a“sour” tone for reproducing a sustained plano note.

The standard measurement technique is to supply a single frequency toneto the mechanical device for record and playback or for playback via aprerecorded media (e.g., prerecorded tape or disc). Upon playback of themechanical device, the single frequency tone is measured for frequencyvariation via a Wow and Flutter meter (e.g., Leader model LFM-39A).

At least one embodiment (of the invention) is therefore distinguishedover the standard measurement for Wow and Flutter. One reason is that atleast another signal is added or involved, and or a modifier circuit ormethod is used to allow (e.g., reduce interference from the other signalor signals) for measuring the frequency variation of the signalinvolved.

Another reason that there is distinction is that Wow and Flutter metersare used for measuring speed variation of mechanical systems, not nonmechanical apparatus such as electronic amplifiers or electronicprocessors.

Thus, one object (of the invention) is to measure frequency (or phase)variation of a signal caused by another signal.

In one embodiment, measurement is done such that a lower frequencysignal causes a frequency (or phase) modulation on at least one higherfrequency signal (AKA Quan effect #1 for frequency modulation of ahigher frequency signal induced by a lower frequency signal). Frequencyor phase variation is then measured for any of the higher frequencysignal(s), which may include its distortion components or products(e.g., from an amplifier or processor).

Alternatively, in another embodiment, measurement is done such that ahigher frequency signal causes a frequency (or phase) modulation on oneor more lower frequency signal (AKA Quan effect #2 for frequencymodulation on a lower frequency signal induced by a higher frequencysignal, and AKA Quan effect #3 for phase modulation on a lower frequencysignal induced by a higher frequency signal). Frequency or phasevariation is then measured for any of the lower frequency signal(s),which may include its distortion components or products (e.g., from anamplifier or processor).

For example, in one embodiment, a larger amplitude “low” frequencysignal below 400 Hz is added to a 3 KHz signal from the Wow and Fluttermeter (e.g., Leader model LFM-39A). The 3 KHz signal is adjusted to havea lower amplitude that that of the lower frequency signal (e.g., 100 Hz,150 Hz, or 300 Hz, or any other frequency, or >300 Hz). The two signalsare then combined and fed to the input of an amplifier or amplifiersystem, which may be named DUT (Device Under Test). The output of theamplifier or DUT is fed to a filter or modifier, which removes,modifies, and or attenuates the lower frequency signal. The output ofthe filter (or modifier) is then fed to a Wow and Flutter meter or adetector (e.g., phase detector and or FM detector).

For this example, the low frequency signal was 100 Hz (sine wave) andthe higher frequency signal was 3000 Hz (sine wave). A simple(microphone) two-transistor feedback amplifier was set for a gain of 91and had a −3 dB frequency response at 17 KHz. About 3.9 volts peak topeak of the example 100 Hz signal and about 100 millivolts to 160millivolts peak to peak of the example 3000 Hz signal was measured atthe output of the amplifier. Then a (e.g., 3000 Hz) bandpass, or highpass filter, or modifying circuit) filter/modifier essentially removedthe 100 Hz signal and passed the 3000 Hz signal from the amplifier'soutput to the Wow and Flutter meter, which read 0.15% Wow and Flutter(W&F). Considering the amplifier is not mechanical system, this new testshowed an “unexpected” result that amplifiers exhibit Wow and Flutterduring the presence of a multiple signal input.

In comparison to a very high quality cassette audio recorder such as thePioneer CT-F1000 (cost of $600 from “High Fidelity Test Reports 1979”issue), the Wow and Flutter measured 0.08%. Note that in this cassettedeck test, the Wow and Flutter meter only sends out either a 3000 Hz ora 3150 Hz test signal (but not both frequencies) for the cassetterecorder to record and playback the test signal. (There is no othersignal, other than the single tone involved for this standard W&Fmeasurement of the cassette audio recorder).

Thus, the invention or an embodiment is considered novel over the priorart in that multiple signals or tones are used. These multiple signalsor tones are sent to a DUT (device under test). The DUT is coupled to amodifier, which allows a Wow and Flutter meter or phase detector or FMdetector to measure at least one particular test tone(s) essentiallywithout interference from the other tones (e.g., lower frequency tonesor any of its harmonics). Thus, from the example test with the twotransistor amplifier mentioned above, this amplifier yielded almosttwice the Wow and Flutter of a (mechanically driven) cassette taperecorder (e.g., 0.15% for amplifier under new testing method versus0.08% for the Pioneer CT-F1000 cassette audio recorder).

Other experiments with amplifiers that exhibit cross over distortionyielded similar results of the two-transistor amplifier experimentmentioned above. Cross over distortion in an amplifier causes a drop inbandwidth in the “dead zone”, so as a dynamic biasing signal causes ahigher frequency signal to go in and out of the dead zone, the frequencyresponse changes in time.

And (in general) an increase in frequency for the dynamic biasing signalapplied, the more change in phase occurs in time, which leads to agreater/increased FM effect or greater/increased frequency deviation(e.g., of a higher frequency signal).

In some cases, an amplifier with cross over distortion yielded even moreWow and Flutter such as 0.175% (in this example of a new way to measureWow and Flutter or to measure a frequency modulation effect of onesignal induced by another signal). And if the lower frequency signal(e.g., dynamic biasing signal) is raised from 100 Hz to a higherfrequency such as 140 Hz or higher, Wow and Flutter measurements (via anembodiment of the invention) increase to about 0.36% or higher.

Because there is a phase shift change in the (higher frequency) signalas a function of where the output is “biased” to, when the low frequencysignal is increased in amplitude and or frequency, a greater change inphase shift over time of the higher frequency signal will occur. And thegreater phase shift per time translates to a greater shift (e.g.,deviation) in frequency of the higher frequency signal (e.g., morefrequency modulation). For example, in another embodiment of theinvention, a (higher amplitude) 2000 Hz signal was combined with a loweramplitude 15 KHz signal into the two transistor feedback amplifierexample. The output of the two transistor feedback amplifier hadcomparable amplitude levels as the previous example with 100 Hz and 3000Hz signals. And the output of this example amplifier was coupled to ahigh pass filter (to remove the 2 KHz signal while passing the 15 KHzsignal), which was then coupled to a frequency to voltage converter. Theoutput of the frequency to voltage converter revealed a frequency shiftor deviation of 1.5% for the 15 KHz signal (caused by the 2000 Hzsignal) from the output of the two transistor feedback amplifierexample.

It should be noted that cascading amplifiers for making an amplifiersystem, (e.g., preamplifier coupled to a tone control amplifier, whichthen couples to a power amplifier) will generally cause an increase inphase or frequency modulation effect (e.g., in total). The phase and orfrequency modulation effect of each amplifier in a chain may be additiveor cumulative in some manner. Depending on the phase versus bias voltageeffect on amplifiers, in some cases the cascading of certain amplifiersmay reduce the phase and or frequency modulation.

In general but not limited to, the new test of the present inventioncomprises providing 2 or more frequencies such as a lower frequencysignal to a higher frequency signal (to yield a complex or compositesignal) and coupling this complex signal to the amplifier's or device's(e.g., a device may be electrical, mechanical, magnetic, optical,electromechanical, and or a transducer) input. At the output of theamplifier (or device) under test, the lower frequency signal (which mayinclude any of its harmonics) is modified (e.g., reduced in amplitude orremoved), and the higher frequency component is coupled to a detectioncircuit or system (e.g., computational system, Wow and Flutter meter, FMdetector, phase detector, and or frequency to current or voltageconverter). The lower frequency signal will cause a dynamic bias uponthe amplifier or device under test, and thus the amplifier or device canexhibit a different frequency response (or phase change/delay) for eachdifferent bias point as defined by the test.

The difference in the higher frequency response (e.g., when biased by alower frequency signal) yields a difference in phase response accordingto various bias points via the lower frequency signal. By measuring thephase changes or shifts or angles of the higher frequency signal as afunction of bias points (caused by the lower frequency signal), theoutput phase modulation of the higher frequency signal can then bemeasured or computed. By providing a slope or derivative function of thephase modulation, a frequency modulation effect can be measured orcomputed.

Of course, the output of the modifying circuit, which contains the phase(or frequency) modulated signal may be coupled directly to a phasedetector or frequency modulation detector. Examples of phase detectorsmay include mixers or multiplying circuits, balanced detectors, phaselock loop circuits and or the like. And examples of frequency modulationdetectors may include frequency discriminators (e.g., Foster Seeley),ratio detectors, quadrature detectors, peak differential detectors,phase detectors, phase shifting circuits, phase lock loop circuits,pulse counting circuits, frequency to signal converters, slopedetectors, and or the like.

In an another embodiment (of the invention), a bias or operating voltageof an audio equipment is varied and a (e.g., nominally higher frequency)signal is added. Because many audio equipment such as digital systems oramplifiers may have different nonlinearities at various operating pointssuch as quantizing error or crossover distortion, a fuller picture ofthe equipment is evaluated via a variable bias signal plus a (highfrequency) signal.

For example, an embodiment (of the invention) may include biasing (e.g.,providing a variable/dynamic offset voltage or current) an amplifier,device, and or a digital system with a voltage to span an output voltagerange of the device while measuring harmonic or intermodulationdistortion or phase or frequency (or phase) response at the variousoperating points.

In a further example, an embodiment provides one or more frequencysignals above 10 KHz (such as a signal at 18 KHz and a signal at 20KHz), and then provides a larger amplitude (lower frequency) signal inthe range between 20 Hz and 10 KHz (such as a signal whose frequency isany between 20 HZ and 5 KHz; 300 Hz for example).

The lower frequency signal plus one or more of the higher frequencysignals are then combined and coupled to the (DUT) (e.g., amplifier,ADC, and or DAC). The output of the DUT is then coupled to a modifier,which affects, modifies or removes the lower frequency signals (e.g.,FL) and or the lower frequency signal's harmonics. The output of themodifier then is coupled to at least one detector such as a phasedetector or an FM detector, which can measure the phase and or frequencymodulation effect on the one or more higher frequency signals.

In the case of more than one higher frequency signal, the detector mayinclude an apparatus or method to remove substantially all but one ofthe higher frequency signals, which may include intermodulationdistortion signal(s). For example, to reduce interference from one (highfrequency) signal to the other in terms of detection or demodulation(e.g., of phase modulation and or frequency modulation). Thus, in thisexample, the detector will measure phase and or frequency modulationeffects on the 18 KHz and or 20 KHz signals caused by the 300 Hz signal.The detector (via a modifier) may be used to measure the phase andfrequency modulation effects on one or more intermodulation distortionfrequencies such as 2nd, 3rd, and or higher order intermodulationcomponents (or harmonics).

For example, the detector may measure phase and or frequency modulationeffects for second order intermodulation component. In this example, thesum and difference frequency distortion signals (e.g., 18 KHz+20 KHz=38KHz, and or 20 KHz−18 KHz=2 KHz). And third order intermodulationdistortion components (e.g., 2FH1−1+FH2, 2FH2−/+FH1) may be measured forphase and or frequency modulation effects. In this third orderintermodulation example, 2×20 KHz−18 KHz=22 KHz, and 2×18 KHz−20 KHz=16KHz and or the third order sum components. Also the phase and orfrequency modulation effects of any of the harmonics of any of thehigher frequency signals may also be measured. In this example, 2×20KHz=40 KHz and or 2×18 KHz=36 KHz.

Of course other frequencies may be used for FH, such as making FH>FL(e.g., FL<2 KHz, FH>5 KHz).

For example, the lower frequency signal (FL) may be <2 KHz and thehigher frequency components (FH) may be a signal or multiple signals at9 KHz and or 10 KHz. In this example the second harmonics of the 9 KHzand or 10 KHz FH signals can be measured for phase and or frequencymodulation effect(s).

Yet another embodiment may include a low frequency signal with a smalleramplitude higher frequency signal to test a dynamic change in frequencyresponse, gain, and or phase. The change in phase with a time varyingsignal will then produce an FM effect.

Still another embodiment may include using a multiple frequency signalto dynamically induce a time varying phase (or frequency) distortion forthe device that has differential phase distortion. The device's outputis then measured with an FM (or PM) detector or discriminator in orderto find a (frequency or dynamic phase) shift in at least one of thefrequencies used in the test signal (or at least one of the distortionproducts from the DUT). For example, the complex or composite signal mayinclude one or more lower frequency signals and more than one higherfrequency signal. Another method of measuring dynamic phase (modulation)and or frequency (modulation) effects after the modifier, may revealthat the modulation effects may or may not track with the (various)higher frequency components. The modifier removes/attenuates the lowerfrequency signals and may remove or attenuate any harmonics of the lowerfrequency signals.

Another embodiment may include a high frequency reference signal addedprior to or after a combination of a low frequency and higher frequencysignal. The duration of the high frequency reference signal, which mayinclude for example a synchronizing signal would be shorter than that ofthe low frequency and high frequency signal. This is similar to a TVsignal, but is used to test for non-TV applications such as audio and orRF systems. In some cases, the audio device under test may output asignal not synchronous to the input signal (e.g., the output of adigital processor may not have exactly the same frequency at its outputas its input signal's frequency). In this embodiment at least onesynchronizing signal is needed at the output to provide a testing methodor apparatus for generating a reference phase and or frequency, which issimilar to a TV color burst signal or a data clock reference signal.

In an alternative embodiment (of the invention) for non-standard testingof audio (or other) equipment, one or more modulated waveforms may becoupled to the device. One such waveform may be an amplitude modulatedwaveform, which may be combined with an offset signal such as a ramp orgenerated waveform or DC offset that may be varied. Then the analysis ofa modulated waveform's sidebands or carrier(s), in terms of any extrasidebands, or phase shifts in sidebands or carrier(s), or changes infrequency of any sidebands or carrier(s), is done (e.g., at the outputof the device under test). A phase or frequency detector may also beused in analyzing the device under test in terms of phase or frequencyerrors.

Another modulated waveform (for another embodiment) may include afrequency or phase modulated signal that is added to an offset signalsuch as previously described. It also is possible to provide anycombination of modulations on a signal for a non-standard test of audioequipment.

In any of the embodiments or examples described, the waveform may be setto a small amplitude as an offset is being varied for testing a digitalsystem (e.g., analog to digital converter, or combined testing of analogto digital converter and or digital to analog converter) and or fortesting an analog system. For example, quantizing errors can revealshifts in frequency or phase, or sideband distortion.

Computational analysis of the sidebands generated by the higherfrequency signal(s) may be found such that generating a Bessel functionmap that can then yield the deviation of the higher frequency's FM (orPM) effect. Some of the Bessel function sidebands may be out of phase,and a method to find/identify the phase can be done by adding an AMsignal wherein the modulating signal includes fundamental and harmonicsof a known phase. The AM signal is combined or added with the higherfrequency signal (that may exhibit frequency modulation) and sidebandsare assessed whether there was an increase or decrease in sidebandamplitude. For example, those sidebands that are reduced in level denotean out of phase sideband. Once a sufficient number of or all side bandsare measured in amplitude and phase, the Bessel function can bedetermined. Thus the modulation index is calculated. With the modulationindex calculated, the frequency or phase deviation of the higherfrequency component is calculated or found.

Although the embodiments or examples described are generally for audioequipment testing, any of the test embodiments described herein may beused for testing of non-audio equipment, e.g., such as an RFamplifier/device or a part of a communication system or a video device.

A summary of various of the embodiments (in which any method may be anapparatus) of the invention is stated below:

A new testing method and apparatus comprises the application of multiplefrequencies to a device under test for measuring newly discoveredfrequency modulation effects. This new testing method may be applied toaudio and or radio frequency devices.

An embodiment may include a lower frequency signal with a smalleramplitude higher frequency signal to test a dynamic change in frequencyresponse, gain, and or phase. This dynamic test can reveal frequencymodulation effects.

Another embodiment may include using a multiple frequency signal todynamically induce a time varying phase distortion for a device that hasdifferential phase distortion. The device's output is then measured withan FM detector or discriminator in order to measure a shift in one ofthe frequencies used in the test signal or to measure frequencymodulation effects of any signals (e.g., any test signals and ordistortion products) output from the device.

For example, an embodiment (of the invention) may include biasing anamplifier or a digital system with a voltage to span the output voltagerange of the device while measuring harmonic or intermodulationdistortion or phase or frequency response at the various operatingpoints.

Below is a further summary of various embodiments (of the invention):

Method of measuring frequency modulation effects of an electronicdevice, wherein the device has an input and an output, comprising,coupling two or more frequency signals into the input, and providing anFM detector at the output of the device, to measure a frequencymodulation effect or frequency shift for one or more frequency signalsat the output of the device.

Method of measuring Wow and Flutter effects on an electronic devicecomprising, applying multiple frequencies to the input of the device,coupling the output of the device to the input of a modifier circuit,and coupling a Wow and Flutter meter to the output of the modifier.

The invention or an embodiment includes a method wherein the modifiercircuit reduces amplitude of a frequency or removes one or more selectedfrequencies, and also a method of measuring induced phase or frequencymodulation in a signal of multiple frequencies, or more than one signalsof different frequencies.

The invention or an embodiment further includes a method of applying asignal or signals to the input of a device, and measuring via a phaseand or frequency modulation detector at the output of the device atleast one phase and or frequency modulation effect on any selectedsignal frequency from the output of the device.

The invention or an embodiment also includes:

A method wherein the selected frequency from the output of the devicemay include any fundamental, harmonic, and or intermodulation frequencycomponent.

A method wherein an amplitude detector measures amplitude variations ofany of the phase and or frequency modulated signal frequencies.

A method wherein the derivative of the phase detector is taken toprovide a frequency modulation measurement, and or wherein an integratedfunction of the frequency modulation detector provides a phasemodulation measurement.

A method wherein one of the signals is a dynamic biasing signal, whereinthe dynamic biasing signal provides a dynamic offset output voltage orcurrent, and

A method of measuring dynamic distortion of an electronic device,wherein a dynamic offset voltage is combined with a test signalcomprising, applying the combined dynamic offset voltage and test signalto the input of the device, and measuring the dynamic distortion for atleast one offset voltage.

The invention or an embodiment (also) includes a method of providing anaudio and or radio frequency test signal, comprising, adding and orinserting a lower frequency signal, one or more reference higherfrequency signal packets of one or more frequencies, and one or moresignals of higher frequencies to provide the test signal, and also amethod wherein an optional unipolar or bipolar synchronizing signal isadded or inserted.

The invention or an embodiment includes a method of measuring frequencymodulation effects of a device under test, wherein a test signal isinput to the device, and wherein the test signal includes a lowerfrequency signal combined with a higher frequency signal, comprising,coupling a frequency to voltage converter or FM detector to the outputof the device, and measuring the higher frequency signal for at leastone frequency modulation effect.

In addition the invention or an embodiment includes a method wherein thetest signal includes an optional synchronizing signal, and a methodwherein the measured frequency modulation effect is displayed.

Also included is a method of measuring a phase and or frequencymodulation effect of a device, wherein the input of the device iscoupled to at least one signal of two or more frequencies, wherein theat least one signal induces a phase or frequency modulation effect onthe device, whereby the output of the device is coupled to a tunablefilter which tunes to a selected frequency of a signal from the outputof the device, and wherein a phase detector and or a frequencymodulation detector measures the phase and or frequency modulationeffect of the device.

The invention or an embodiment includes a method of a measuring a phaseand or a frequency modulation effect of a device, comprising couplingmultiple frequencies to the input of the device, wherein the output ofthe device generates a frequency modulation effect on one or more of itsoutput signal frequencies, whereby the output of the device is coupledto a phase detector, FM detector, and or frequency to voltage converterfor measuring at least one phase modulation and or frequency modulationeffect of any signal frequency from the output of the device.

Further the invention or an embodiment includes a method wherein amodifier is couple to the output of the device, and whereby the modifierremoves or reduces the amplitude of at least one selected signalfrequency, wherein the output of the modifier is coupled to a Wow andFlutter meter.

The invention or an embodiment includes a method of measuring at leastone phase modulation and or frequency modulation effect of an audiodevice that has an input and an output, comprising, coupling one or moresignals including two or more frequencies to the input of the audiodevice, coupling a phase detector, FM detector, and or frequency tovoltage converter to the output of the audio device to measure phasemodulation and or frequency modulation at any signal frequency from theoutput of the device.

The invention or an embodiment further includes:

A method wherein a modifier or filter is placed between the output ofthe audio device and the input of the phase detector, FM detector, andor frequency to voltage converter.

A method wherein the modifier removes or reduces in amplitude one ormore signals from the output of the audio device.

A method wherein the modifier is coupled to a Wow and Flutter meter, and

A method wherein the Wow and Flutter meter is modified for widerbandwidth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show a prior art configuration in testing frequencydeviation effects via a Wow and Flutter meter.

FIG. 1C shows a prior art method of using a two-tone test for measuringthe amplitude of intermodulation distortion.

FIG. 2 shows a prior art method to measure phase distortion in a colorvideo signal.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment example.

FIGS. 4A through 4F show various modification methods or circuits of theinvention or of an embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows another example embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows yet another example embodiment. For example, an FM, PM, andor AM receiver will tune into various signal components from the DUT'soutput, which may be used to measure, capture, and or store frequency,phase, and or amplitude modulated deviations.

FIG. 7A shows an example of an input signal spectrum applied to a DUT(device under test).

FIG. 7B shows the output of the DUT used in FIG. 7A, which may includeat least one phase or frequency modulated signal.

FIG. 8A shows another example of an input signal spectrum applied to aDUT.

FIG. 8B shows the output of DUT used in FIG. 8A, which may include atleast one phase or frequency modulated signal. This modulated signal mayinclude a signal that is any one of many distortion products, forexample.

FIG. 9A shows another example of an input signal applied to a DUT.

FIG. 9B shows the output of a DUT which include at least one signalcomponent that can be measure for phase, frequency, and or amplitudemodulation effect.

FIG. 10 shows a method to generate amplitudes of fundamental and ordistortion products, which for example can be used to reduce varioussignals after the DUT's output.

FIG. 11 shows a method to reduce the interference of at least oneinterfering frequency such that measurements may be made in terms ofphase and or frequency modulation of one or more signals.

FIG. 12 shows an example test waveform that may include at least onereference signal.

FIG. 13 shows an example embodiment of a method and or apparatus togenerate a test waveform.

FIG. 14 shows an example embodiment that can measure phase and orfrequency modulation

FIG. 15 shows an example embodiment that can measure frequency or phasemodulation.

FIG. 16 shows an example of using a complex signal to test for phase andor frequency modulation of one or more selected signals.

FIG. 17 shows one or more ways to detect or demodulate a signal that hasa frequency modulation effect.

FIG. 18A shows a modulator, which may provide a modulated signal source.

FIG. 18B shows a noise generator, which may provide a noise signalsource. And FIG. 18C shows one or more examples of the DUT.

FIGS. 19, 20, 21, and 22 show examples for measuring differential phaseby deriving a signal from one or more input source and coupling to aphase detector.

FIG. 23 shows an example of an improvement to measure differentialphase.

FIG. 24 shows an example of using filter banks to measure time varyingdistortion.

FIG. 25 shows an example of using filter banks including a phase and orfrequency modulation detector or demodulator to further measure phaseand or frequency modulation effect(s) from distortion signal(s).

FIG. 26 shows an example of the time varying harmonic distortion orintermodulation distortion when a composite waveform comprised of astairstep signal and higher frequency is utilized.

FIG. 27 shows an example test signal for measuring time varyingintermodulation distortion, or for measuring time varying harmonicdistortion.

FIG. 28 shows an example of measured time varying intermoduationdistortion as a function of a low frequency signal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A shows a standard prior art method of performing a Wow andFlutter test. A test tone signal, 2, of 3000 Hz (or 3150 Hz) tone iscoupled to a recorder, 3. This recorder may be a tape recorder or a discrecorder.

FIG. 1B shows further that the recorded test tone is then played backvia 3 and coupled to a Wow and Flutter meter, 4, for measurement offrequency deviations of the singe tone (for a prior art standard methodof measuring Wow and Flutter). These frequency deviations of the testtone are for example a result of the non-perfect speed or velocity inwhich the mechanical recorder exhibits upon recording and or playback.

One object (of the invention) is to assess phase or frequency modulationfrom an audio system or amplifier caused by the two or more inputsignals. Therefore, FIG. 1B, which shows standard (prior art) testingfor Wow and Flutter, does not apply (for example, to a multiple signalmethod of an embodiment of the invention) because only one test tonesignal is used (e.g., 3000 Hz).

FIG. 1C shows a prior method of measuring the amplitude (but not phaseor frequency modulation) of intermodulation distortion components on atwo tone signal. In one example, a 60 Hz signal, 5, is combined with a7000 Hz signal, 7, via a circuit 6, which is coupled to the device undertest, DUT, 25, such as an amplifier. The output of the amplifier is thencoupled to a filter, 8, to remove the 60 Hz component and pass a signalaround 7000 Hz. The intermodulation distortion components are signals 60Hz above and below the 7000 Hz signal from the DUT's output. Theseintermodulation distortion components then are measured for amplitudevia an amplitude detector such as an amplitude modulation (AM) envelopedetector, or an amplitude measuring system as denoted by block 9.

Note that there is another other two-tone intermodulation test such ascoupling a 19 KHz and 20 KHz tone to the DUT to measure only theamplitude of third (and or second) order intermodulation distortioncomponents.

Yet another object (of the invention) is to measure phase or frequencymodulation effects of intermodulation distortion signals or tones, andor the test tones or signals from the DUT's output. The measuring of thephase and or frequency modulation effect(s) (e.g., of the any testsignal frequencies and or of any distortion products from the DUT) isdistinguished from (the prior art method of) measuring the amplitude ormagnitude of intermodulation distortion products.

Another object (of the invention) is to measure the amplitudemodulation/variation of any phase or frequency modulated signal from theDUT (e.g., with multiple signals).

FIG. 2 shows a prior art standard test method for measuring differentialphase or gain in a composite color video signal. Measuring different(color) gain is important to assess a shift in color saturation withchanges in luminance or brightness values. And, measuring differential(color) phase is important in assessing a shift in color hue or tintwith changes in luminance or brightness values. A low frequency lumasignal, 11, (e.g., stairstep signal of ramp signal with a repetitionfrequency of 15.734 KHz or 15.625 KHz) is combined with a chroma colorsubcarrier signal, 12 (e.g., 3.58 MHz or 4.43 MHz). The chroma and lumasignals are combined via circuit 13 and are coupled to a videoequipment, 14. The output of 14 is coupled to a differential phase andor gain meter, 15, which filters out the luma signal, and uses a phasedetector (e.g., no FM detector) to determine/measure phase or gainvariations as function of varying brightness (luma) levels, which leadto color variations. The output of differential phase and or gain meter15, which may be coupled back to the input of 15 (dashed line), may becoupled to a TV, 16, for monitoring.

FIG. 2 is intended for a video picture assessment for a color TV signaland its effects on color distortion. On the other hand, an object of theinvention is to assess the effect of differential phase modulation on anaudio signal, which can lead to a sonic (blurring) effect of music.Since measuring differential phase and or gain in an audio signal doesnot lead to the prior art's FIG. 2 intent to assess color distortion ona color TV signal (which is subsequently viewed on a TV set), the useand or objective of the invention is distinguished from the prior artshown in FIG. 2.

Another object (of the invention) is to assess the frequency variationsof an audio signal that can lead to a sonic (blurring) effect. Note thatthis audio effect is not heard via a color TV signal (e.g., the videosignal is beyond the bandwidth of audio hearing). Also, there is no“differential frequency” measurement for video signals. Thus, anembodiment (of the invention) is distinguished from video testing.

Also combining the prior art shown in FIGS. 2 and 1 will lead to a Wowand Flutter meter operating out of range because the video signal (>15KHz) is too high in frequency. Applying the prior art 3000 Hz tone ofFIG. 1 into the differential phase/gain meter of FIG. 2 will not work,because this tone is too low in frequency for video testing.

FIG. 3 shows an example (of the invention) wherein multiple signalsources 21,22, and or 23 are combined or coupled by a circuit 24. Notethat there may be (up to) N signal sources supplied to block 24. Theoutput of combining circuit or apparatus 24 is then coupled to the DUT,25, which may include at least one amplifier (e.g., an amplifier can beat least one amplifier stage), analog to digital converter, digital toanalog converter, device (e.g., of previously mentioned), signalprocessor, and or storage apparatus. Because of the multiple tonescoupled into the DUT, the output of the DUT 25 will (for example)include phase and or frequency modulation (e.g., a form of newdistortion) for one or more signals at its output. The output of theDUT, 25, is then coupled to a modifier circuit or apparatus 26. Modifier26 reduces or removes at least one interfering signal for measurement ofphase and or frequency modulation. And the output of modifier 26 is thencoupled to a Wow and Flutter meter 27 or to block 28, a phase and orfrequency detector/discriminator.

The Wow and Flutter meter 27 may be of conventional type such as aLeader LFM-39A or a modified version of it to extend its frequencyrange. For example, a conventional Wow and Flutter meter measuresfrequency deviations based on a 3 KHz test signal with a 300 Hzbandwidth for the recovered frequency modulation effect(s). Thus forexample, a Wow and Flutter meter can be modified for measuring frequencymodulation effects of a 15 KHz test signal, with a 1500 Hz (or more)bandwidth for recovering the frequency modulation effects. Of course(these or) other (test) frequency signals may be used and or otherrecovered bandwidths may be provided (e.g., for the FM detector).

FIGS. 4A to 4F shows various ways of modifying a signal from the DUT.

FIG. 4A is a bandpass filter, 31, to remove or reduce the amplitude ofone or more signals out of its bandpass and pass through a signal ortone to the phase and or frequency (modulation) detector/discriminator(or Wow and Flutter meter). FIG. 4A for example may be set to tune toany frequency component from the output of the DUT, which may includeany of the (input) test signal frequencies, and or any distortionproducts generated from the DUT. Thus, any of the tuned frequenciesmentioned may be coupled to a detector for measuring modulation effectssuch as in phase and or frequency modulation (effects). Bandpass filter31 may be set for a particular bandwidth in the pass-band (for example,to allow sufficient or substantially accurate measurement ofdifferential phase and or frequency modulation distortion).

Using a filter, for example at least one band pass filter, and at leastone detector (phase, frequency, and or amplitude detector) can revealphase and or frequency modulation (or even amplitude modulation as well)of any (one or more) signal component from the DUT.

FIG. 4B shows an alternate way to measure the modulation distortion. Ahigh pass filter, 32, is used to reduce or to remove unwanted signals,at least one lower frequency signal so as to facilitate a more accuratedetection of phase and or frequency modulation distortion from the DUT.One advantage of using a high pass filter is that a wider bandwidth ofphase and or frequency detection/discrimination can be achieved over asimple band pass filter. However, a more complex band pass filter canyield similar wider bandwidth recovery for the detector.

Although there are many types of frequency detectors which may be usedfor at least one embodiment of the invention such as (tuned circuit)ratio detectors, discriminators, peak differential, phase lock loop, andor quadrature detectors, there is also a pulse counter FM detector.

The pulse counter FM detector generates a fixed width or duration pulseof a set amplitude and is triggered by the incoming signal at aparticular slicing level. For example, if the higher frequency signal isadequately separated from the other signals at the DUT's output, alimiter circuit or comparator may generate a square wave signal. Thissquarewave signal then can be coupled to a timing generator such as oneshot or half shot circuit. The output of the timing generator thenproduces a train of pulses of fixed width. If the higher frequencysignal is incurring an FM effect, then the number of pulses per timewill vary from the timing generator, which in turn when integrated orlow pass filtered, will convert the frequency deviation (FM effect) intoa demodulated output signal.

In another example (of the embodiment) for the detector, the positiveand negative going edges of the square wave signal are coupled to twotiming generators. The timing generator outputs are combined (e.g., alogic OR), which yield a pulse train of twice the frequency of thehigher frequency signal (e.g., FH in FIG. 7, 8, and or 9), which allowsfor wider band FM demodulation. This form of “double edge” FMdemodulation is commonly used in analog video recorders. (For examplesee FIG. 17, latter portion).

For example, it is widely known in FM analog video recording systems,that as long as the first sideband (e.g., upper sideband) is recoveredin the FM signal, a wide frequency response is achievable. For example,at a carrier frequency of about 8 MHz, a modulating frequency of about4.2 MHz may be recovered with little distortion via this double edgetechnique.

Thus, an example would have a sharp cutoff high pass filter at about 1.6KHz as the modifier block 26, and a double edge FM detector as block 28.The output of combiner 24 will have a higher frequency signal of 3 KHzor more, and a lower frequency signal of less than 1.55 KHz. The highpass filter will remove and or sufficiently attenuate any frequency at1.55 KHz or lower. With this example, then it is possible to measure FMeffects of the DUT caused by the lower frequency signal up to about 1.55KHz even though the higher frequency signal (e.g., “carrier” into thedetector) is at 3 KHz. In other words or in general, FM effects can berecovered (from a 3 KHz (carrier) signal or higher frequency) up toabout a little more than one half of its own (e.g., “carrier”) frequency(e.g., 1.55 KHz demodulated from a 3 KHz signal, but other frequenciesmay be provided or used).

FIG. 4C shows a low pass filter, 33, as a modifier, which may be used tocouple the lower frequency signal into a detector to measure phase,frequency, and or amplitude modulation effects. Also the low pass filterwill remove the higher frequency signal while passing the lowerfrequency signal, (such) as a synchronizing signal from the DUT'soutput. (For example, see FIG. 12.)

FIG. 4D shows a notch filter, 34, as a modifier. This notch or bandreject filter may provide for rejecting or reducing one or more signalfrequencies.

For example, a notch may reject the lower frequency tones and (or) anyor all of the lower frequency signal's harmonics or other distortionproducts (e.g., intermodulation distortion components). In one example,the notch filter then passes at least one of the higher frequencysignal's components (e.g., fundamental, harmonic(s), and orintermodulation distortion product (s).)

FIG. 4E illustrates a filter, 35, as a modifier. This filter may be anycombination of the previously mentioned filters. FIG. 4E may denote acomb filter to pass through or reject one or more frequencies. Ingeneral, FIG. 4E represents a filter comprised of any combination ofsoftware, firmware, digital, and or analog techniques.

Note that any filter described in FIGS. 4A to 4E may be phasecompensated for a flatter group delay characteristic. For example, phaseequalization may be employed. Generally, a more linear phase response orflatter group delay characteristic will yield less distortion in PM andor FM demodulators (e.g., demodulators=detectors).

FIG. 4F denotes a nulling and or reducing circuit (method), 36, whichmay include cancellation.

One such method is to add a substantially out of phase signal or signalsto at least partially cancel out one or more signals.

For example, circuit 36's input may be coupled to the DUT's output and asecond input, 37, comprise of a lower (or higher) frequency signal fromblocks 21 or 24 of FIG. 3. With the signal coupled to input 37, thephase is altered and amplitude is set to cause a cancel of at least partof the lower frequency signal from the DUT's output. In this example,the output of circuit 36, would comprise substantially the higherfrequency signal(s).

Again, block 36 (or any of the blocks in FIGS. 4A to 4F) may beimplemented in the analog, digital, and or software domain.

FIG. 5 shows a tunable receiver (or tuner), 41, with an FM, PM, and orAM detector. Block 41 then tunes into any of frequency of the spectrumto measure modulation effects on any of the signals produced by theDUT's output. The DUT's output may have the higher and lower frequenciesand or their distortion products, harmonic and or intermodulationcomponents. The tunable receiver 41 may be implemented with at least onefilter, mixer, amplifier, oscillator, and or detector.

When the tunable receiver 41 is implemented to cover the audio range orhigher, frequency, phase, and or amplitude modulation effects can bemeasured, stored, and or computed.

Block 41 and or any other part of the invention such as the blocks inFIG. 3 may be scaled for radio frequencies as well. In superheterodyneradio receivers, it is well known that the phase noise of a localoscillator can cause degradation in signal to noise of the demodulatedsignal. Thus this invention when scaled up to radio frequencies canmeasure frequency, phase, and or amplitude modulation effects on areceiving signal cause by other RF signals.

For example, an antenna picks up many channels of different frequencies(e.g., multiple signals). In some radio receivers, there is a varactor(variable capacitance) effect from the semiconductor mixer, RFamplifier, and or some tuned circuits. This varactor effect, whichcauses a change in capacitance versus a voltage across thesemiconductor, then can induce incidental phase noise or extra frequencymodulation, which can lead to extra noise at the demodulated output.Thus this invention can be applied to RF systems to measure phase noisefor example (when two or more signals are involved).

FIG. 6 shows an alternative way of measuring standard distortions.Standard prior art tests measure harmonic, intermodulation at a singlebias point of an amplifier or audio processor. Block 42 tests forharmonic and or intermodulation distortion products at a varying biaslevel. This varying bias level test via the block 42 can also be used tomeasure noise (e.g., noise output at various bias levels). Thedistortions and or noise measurements can then be stored, displayed, andor computed.

FIG. 7A shows one example of multiple signals applied into a DUT. Thelower frequency signal has a frequency FL and a higher frequency signalhas a frequency FH. In this example the amplitude of the FL signal islarger than the FH signal. However, the amplitude of either or both maybe set to any level or any selected level.

FIG. 7B shows an output of the DUT, which may include an amplifier,device, at least part of a digital system, audio system, and or an RFsystem (e.g., which may generate harmonic and or intermodulationdistortion due to a non-linearity). FIG. 7B then shows that there can bephase and or frequency modulation effects on the FL signal, FH signal,and or at least one harmonic of the FH signal, as denoted by thehorizontal double arrows across each component.

For example the double arrows shows a ΔFL, ΔFH and Δ2FH as a deviationor shift in frequency for those signals with frequencies FL, FH and aharmonic of FH. By use of a modifier (and or) detector, the deviation orshift in phase and or frequency may be measured.

It should be noted although not shown in FIG. 7A, it is possible toprovide to the (phase or FM) detector (e.g., for measuring phase and orfrequency modulation) any harmonics of FL and or FH, and or anyintermodulation distortion component based on FL and FH.

FIG. 8A shows another example of multiple tones/signals, this time withmore than two signals. Again, although the FL signal is denoted aslarger in amplitude than the FH1 and FH2 signal, (other) amplitudelevels may be set for any or all of the signals. In FIG. 8A, the use ofmore than two signals allows for measuring at least one intermodulationdistortion component based on two higher frequency signals such as FH1and FH2.

FIG. 8B then shows an example of at least some intermodulation and orharmonic distortion components based on FH1 and FH2 (e.g., caused by anon-linearity of a DUT). Not shown in FIG. 8B are other (e.g.,intermodulation and or harmonic) distortion components (that may becoupled to a detector) based on any combination of FL, FH1, and FH2(e.g. caused by non-linearity from a DUT). In FIG. 8B phase and orfrequency modulation effect(s) can occur in the following but notlimited to:

(FH2−FH1) (a second order intermodulation difference frequency),

FL,

(2FH1−FH2) (a third order intermodulation difference frequency),

FH1,

FH2,

(2FH2−FH1) (another third order intermodulation difference frequency).

Thus any or all of the above frequency components may be coupled to oneor more (e.g., phase and or frequency) detectors. Modifier 26 may beused to ensure a more accurate measurement from any of the detectors.

The double horizontal arrows denote a representation of the shift ordeviation (e.g., in terms of phase and or frequency) across each signalcomponent.

Also, the signal deviation or shift (such as frequency deviation orphase shift) is denoted by the following:

Δ(FH2−FH1) or ΔFH IM2D

ΔFL

Δ(2FH1−FH2) or ΔFH IM3DL

ΔFH1

ΔFH2

Δ(2FH2−FH1) or ΔFH IM3DU

ΔnFH3A

ΔnFH3B

ΔnFL

wherein n>=2 for example

Of course other distortion products may be coupled to the detector, suchas sum and or difference intermodulation distortion components (e.g., ofNth degree distortion and of M signals) for measuring frequency and orphase modulation (and or amplitude modulation). Note that other orhigher order harmonic distortion products or signals may be coupled to adetector.

FIG. 9A shows an example of a multiple signal test. In this example, thelower signal frequency FL3 is chosen to be lower than the frequency(FH3B−FH3A). These signals are coupled to the DUT.

FIG. 9B then shows an effect of the multiple tones on a DUT's outputsignal. In this example, the double arrows for each signal frequencydesignate a phase and or frequency modulation effect. FIG. 9B then showsthat a modulation effect may be present not only at the input signalfrequencies, but any or all of the distortion products. The distortionproducts shown but not limited to are the second order intermodulationdistortion from FH3A and FH3B such as (FH3B−FH3A), third orderintermodulation distortion products 2FH3A−FH3B, 2FH3B−FH3A, and orharmonic distortion products, nFH3A and or nFH3B (e.g., n>=2). Thesedistortion products include any Nth order intermodulation and orharmonic distortion component(s).

Not shown in FIG. 9b , but can be included are the harmonics of FL(e.g., nFL) and the intermodulation distortion components related to FLand FH3A FH3B (FH3A+/−n′FL, FH3B+/−n′FL, 2FH3A+/−n′FL, 2FH3B+/−n′FL, andor other distortion products, wherein n′>=1). By using a modifier and orreceiver/tuner 41, any of these signals or other signals (not shown) maybe coupled to a detector for measuring phase and or frequency modulationeffects. An amplitude measuring system such as a magnitude detector maybe use to measure amplitude effects of the phase and or frequencymodulated signals.

For each signal component in the spectrum a modifier such as modifier26, may “process” the other signals as to reduce interference to adetector. The modifier may comprise filters and or cancellationmethods/apparatuses. For example, in some DUTs, the frequency deviationmay be large (such as due to any non-linearity, for example, anycombination of cross over distortion point(s), near cut off, nearsaturation, or the like). With possible large frequency modulationeffects from the DUT, it is desirable to have sufficient (to maximum)bandwidth around the signal that is coupled to the detector. It may bedesirable to ensure sufficient attenuation of interfering signals.

For example, in FIG. 7B, we see that there are dotted lines denoting the2nd, 3rd, and 4th harmonic of lower frequency signal whose frequency isFL. To optimize in measuring the recovered modulation (e.g., frequencymodulation, FM and or phase modulation, PM) of FH, a modifier cancomprise of a filter (and or cancellation circuit) to essentially removeor reduce amplitude of FL, 2FL, 3FL, and (or) 4FL (which may include2FH). The filter can be made of a comb type band reject filter, multiplefrequency notch filters, high pass, band pass and or notch filter, orthe like.

From FIG. 7B, one can see it may be desirable to at least attenuate 3FLand or 4FL to avoid interfering with the (e.g., frequency and or phasemodulation) detection of FH. The previous methods described above allowsa wider bandwidth of recovery, whereas if one uses a narrow bandwidthband pass filter around the FH frequency, only a portion of thefrequency and or phase modulation will be recovered. The reason is thata narrow band filter around an FM signal restricts recovery of themodulation.

In some cases a band-pass filter (of selected bandwidth) tuned to anysignal component from the DUT's output may be sufficient for measuringphase and or frequency modulation effects (e.g., via a demodulator ordetector).

FIG. 10 shows an apparatus/method, 50, to generate fundamental and ordistortion products for reducing at least one interfering signal whenthe DUT is coupled to a detector. With the apparatus/method 50 combinedwith a modifier 26 or 26A, at least some cancellation occurs in one ormore interfering signal.

An interfering signal for example, is a signal that reduces themeasurement accuracy of (phase and or frequency) modulation effects (ofa particular or selected frequency) from the DUT's output. For examplein FIG. 7B if the 4th harmonic of FL is close in frequency to FH, thenthe subsequent detecting for modulation effects will be inaccurate.Because 4FL falls into a band pass of FH, an interference conditionoccurs that may cause an erroneous measured (frequency and or phase)modulation of FH. In general, a “carrier” signal may be the signal ofinterest for measuring a modulation effect. In this example, the signalfrom the DUT with frequency FH is considered as the carrier signal, anda harmonic of the signal FL that has a frequency of 4FL (which would begenerated by a non-linearity from the DUT) is considered an interferencesignal.

In block 50, an input signal is (then) coupled to an optional filter,64. The input signal is coupled to a distortion generator 51, which cancomprise a waveform shaper, mixer, and or nonlinear function. The inputsignal may be a signal from the blocks 21,22,23, and or 24, or FIG. 3,and or the input signal may be from the DUT's output. Optional filter 64may for example, then pass a particular signal through such as FL or FH.

In one embodiment, distortion generator 51 may generate harmonicdistortion. In another embodiment, generator 51 may generateintermodulation and or harmonic distortion. The output of generator 51is then coupled to a distortion product extractor, 52, which then outputvarious distortion products (e.g., 2nd, 3rd, and or nth order harmonics(and or intermodulation components)) to a scaling factor and phasecompensator or shifter apparatus comprised of blocks 53, 54, 55, 56, 57,and 58. Note as illustrated in FIG. 10, there are up to three outputsfrom the distortion extractor 52 shown, but more outputs may exist tocouple to more scaling factor and phase compensator or shifterapparatuses.

The output of (any number of) the phase compensator circuits orapparatuses (e.g., 56 to 58 and or 62) is coupled to a combiningapparatus 61. Also coupled to combining apparatus 61 is the output ofphase shifter 62 via scaling block 63, which in this example represent afundamental frequency signal. The output of combining apparatus 61 thenmay include any combination of fundamental and or (one or more)distortion products (e.g., harmonics and or intermodulation components),which can be used to then at least reduce interference signal prior todetection.

It should be known that the input of block 50 may contain more than onetone or signal. In this example, distortion generator 51 can generateintermodulation and or harmonic distortion products, and distortionextractor 52 can then extract intermodulation and or harmonic tones orsignals. And the output of block 50 then can be comprised of harmonicsand or intermodulation signal frequencies, which may be used accordinglyto reduce a signal close (e.g., in frequency) to a (particular orselected) carrier (e.g., frequency) signal for detection.

By setting (any of) the scaling factor(s) K1-Kn, any test signal and orany distortion products may be reduced in amplitude or removed via acancellation effect.

Also note that reducing amplitude or attenuating may include removal.

FIG. 11 then shows an example of block 50 of FIG. 10 for measuring amodulation effect from a DUT. In this example, signals including FL andFH (but not limited to) are combined or summed via a combining circuit24. Signal FL is coupled to block 50, which outputs any combination offundamental and or distortion products (e.g., 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and or nthorder harmonic and or intermodultation). The output of block 50 then hasvia the scaling block(s) close to the amplitude of the harmonicdistortion (and or intermodulation distortion) from the DUT's output.The output of block 50 may then have (essentially) the same or oppositephase of the fundamental and or harmonic(s) (and or intermodulationdistortion product(s)). The DUT output is coupled to an input of themodifier 26 or 26A, and another input of the modifier is coupled toblock 50's output. If the modifier is a summing apparatus, then thephase shifter/compensator blocks from block 50 are set to be about outof phase to cancel signal with frequency FL and or at least one harmonicof the signal with frequency FL. And if the modifier is a subtractingapparatus, the output of block 50 will be set for about the same phaseso that the modifier may reduce or cancel the frequencies at FL and orits harmonics.

With frequency components around FL and or its harmonics reducedsufficiently at the output of the modifier, the frequency componentaround FH (in this example) is then coupled to the Wow and Flutter meterand or FM/PM detector (e.g., for a wider frequency range of therecovered (FM and or PM) modulation effect on the signal with frequencyFH).

FIG. 12 shows an example waveform for an audio or RF test signal tomeasure for phase and or frequency modulation effects. An optional syncsignal, which may be bipolar as shown by numeral 65 a, 65 b, can also bea unipolar sync signal (e.g., such as 65 a or 65B). A lower frequencywaveform such as a ramp or sawtooth signal is shown at 67. A highfrequency reference signal is shown at 66, which may contain one or morepackets of more than one frequency signal. Also shown is a higherfrequency signal, 68, added or superimposed on a portion of the lowerfrequency signal, 67. Signal 68 may be comprised of more than onefrequency in sequence and or in combination. Signal 67 may be comprisedof a sinusoid or arbitrary waveform.

Example frequencies of the waveform shown in FIG. 12 can have period ofthe waveform of 1/30 of a second, the low frequency ramp, 67, may beabout 20 to 30 milliseconds in duration, and sync pulse width (65) maybe 2 to 5 milliseconds in duration. Reference signal 66 may have aduration of 1 to 5 milliseconds and with frequencies of 5 KHz, 7 KHz, 10KHz, and or 15 KHz. Signal 68 may have frequencies similar or the sameas reference signal 66. Amplitudes of each signal, 65, 66, 67, and or 68may be set to any level.

Of course, other waveforms, signals, time durations, and or amplitudesmay be used.

One advantage of a signal such as in FIG. 12 is that at least onereference high frequency signal is carried along with this test signal(that then does not require an external reference source such as areference signal from generators 21, 22, or 23 of FIG. 3), which allowstesting of equipment that may include storage or memory, or wherein theoutput of the DUT is not synchronized with the input. For example, in astorage system, the output of the DUT may output the input signal with aslight different frequency “error” (e.g., 1000 Hz in, 1001 Hz out).Thus, taking a reference phase from an FH signal at the input to makephase modulation measurements will be invalid. But instead, thereference signal 66 is used to generate a continuous high frequencysignal for phase detection, wherein the phase (modulation) measurementwould be valid since the reference signal (e.g., 66) would encounter thesame slight frequency “error” output caused by the DUT.

Note that although FIG. 12 may look similar to a video signal circuit,the present use for devising such a signal is to measure modulationdistortion in audio and or RF systems or devices.

On the other hand, in video a (prior art) video test signal is used tomeasure color saturation or tint effects on a color subcarrier TV signalwith a luma signal.

However, in audio, a signal such as shown in FIG. 12 would be used tomeasure phase and or frequency modulation effects that would cause asonic or audible characteristic. And in an RF system, extraneous noisemay be measured because of phase and or frequency modulation effects,which lead to phase noise that can degrade signal to noise ratio.

Note that FIG. 12 is an illustration by way of example only, and otherwaveforms may be synthesized. One aspect of FIG. 12 is to carry at leastone higher (and or lower) frequency reference signal along with at leastone test signal. A synchronizing signal may be added to the test signal,but may not be required. For example, recovering a lower frequencysignal via filtering or reducing the amplitude of the higher frequencysignal(s) can provide a sync signal. Alternatively, removing or reducingthe lower frequency signal may allow using one or more of the higherfrequency signal(s) to provide a sync signal.

FIG. 13 shows an illustration of an apparatus, 80, to generate a testsignal (e.g., FIG. 12 or other waveform) for measuring modulationeffects on at least one particular signal or tone.

One or more reference timing signals is provided by blocks, 81, 82, and83. Block 83 represents that up to (n or) “n0” reference timing signalscan exist. These timing signals may include a synchronizing signal, andor at least one reference high and or low frequency signal in a form ofa packet or packets or an arbitrary waveform.

Test signal sources (that may be comprised of low, mid, and or highfrequency signals) are provided by blocks 84, 85, and or 86. Again,block 86 indicates that there may be up to (n or) “n1” test signalsources.

A combiner, adder or inserter block 87 receives the reference timing andtest signal sources to output a test waveform via 88. This test waveformcan then resemble part of or all of FIG. 12, or this test waveform from88 may produce another waveform.

Also shown is block 89, which allows synchronizing the various referenceand or signal timing sources. For example, block 89 may provide theorder (e.g., sequence) when each reference and signal source occurs in agenerated waveform at the output 88.

Block 89, 88, and or 80 may also provide sequence a different waveformat start of the next reference timing period (e.g., synchronizing orreference frequency signal).

FIG. 14 shows a measurement system, 90, that utilizes a test waveformfrom generator 80. Output 88 is coupled to the input of a DUT, 25. Theoutput of the DUT is then coupled to an input of 90. Thus the DUT'soutput is coupled to a timing separator 91, and one or more referencesignal regeneration circuits, 92 and or 93. Block 93 represent thatthere can be as many as “n” reference signal regeneration circuits. Anexample of the reference regeneration circuit (e.g., phase lock loop,oscillator, or the like) is to provide signal (e.g., of a (fixed) phaseand amplitude) that extends in duration beyond the reference signalpackets, such as 66 of FIG. 12. The output of one or more referencesignal regeneration circuit is then coupled to one or more mixer ormultiplier or non-linear circuit (e.g., 94 and or 95) to provide phasedetection of the DUT's output (e.g., from a selected signal from DUT25). So circuits 94, and or 95 receive(s) a coupled signal from theDUT's output via a modifier such as 26 or 26A. The modifiers remove aninterfering signal component prior to the input of circuits 94 and or95. The output phase detector 94 and or 95 is coupled to a filter (e.g.,96 and or 97) of particular bandwidth.

The output of filter 96 and or filter 97, and a timing signal fromtiming separator 91 are coupled to a measurement system, display, meter,and or computer to measure, display and or compute the DUT's phasevariation as a function of a lower frequency signal such as a ramp orother waveform. If the slope of the phase or derivative of the phasevariation is taken (e.g., by a differentiator circuit and or bycomputation), a frequency modulation variation as a function of thelower frequency signal may be provided.

FIG. 15 shows an example of using waveform generator 80's output tomeasure frequency modulation effects from a DUT. The signal 88 iscoupled to the input of the DUT, 25, whose output is then coupled tosystem 100, which includes a timing reference circuit 91 and a modifier26. The output of the timing reference circuit 91 is coupled to anoptional timing circuit 101. The output of the modifier 26 is coupled toan FM detector, 102. Display, meter, and or computer 103 is coupled tothe timing reference signal and to the output of FM detector 102. Block103 then can measure and or display a frequency deviation or shift of asignal or tone as a function of a lower frequency signal such as signal66. By integrating (e.g., via an integrator circuit and or bycomputation) the FM detector's output, a phase variation measurement maybe provided. Note that one or more FM detectors may be used for system100.

FIG. 16 shows another example for testing for modulation effects basedon two or more frequencies. Block 111 represents one or more complexsignals. A complex signal may include music. For example, block 111 mayinclude a violin or other musical instrument's note or notes. In aviolin, an “A” 440 Hz note has a fundamental frequency much larger inamplitude over its harmonics.

For this example, in general, this complex (440 Hz) signal is thencoupled to a DUT via line 113. The output of the DUT is then coupled toa modifier, 26, which reduces the amplitude of the fundamental and orother harmonics. A (remaining) selected harmonic (e.g., 10th harmonic at4400 Hz or 20th harmonic at 8800 Hz) is to be coupled to a Wow andFlutter meter 27 (e.g., a modified Wow and Flutter meter to measurebeyond a standard 3 KHz signal), a phase and or FM detector 28, and or atuner/receiver, 41 (for measuring modulation effects such as PM and orFM and or Wow and Flutter). It should be noted in general, a particularmusical note or signal has a fundamental frequency component and variousharmonics. To measure the “nth” harmonic for phase or frequencyvariation, prior to coupling the musical signal to the input of the DUT,it may be preferable to remove or attenuate any harmonic(s) near/aroundthe “nth” harmonic. For example, attenuate or filter out the “(n−1)th”(and or “(n−2)th”) and or “(n+1)th” (and or “(n+2)th”) harmonic of themusical signal prior to coupling to the input of the DUT.

Note the tuner/receiver 41 may be coupled to the output of the DUT, andtuned to the various harmonics and or fundamental to measure formodulation effects (e.g., phase and or frequency shifts).

In another variation or example of this test method and apparatusutilizing one or more complex waveforms from block 111, the outputthereof is modified via a modifier 112 to reduce or remove one or more(signal) frequencies prior to coupling to the DUT. The output of the DUTis then coupled to the modifier 26 or 26A to remove any interferingsignals prior to meter 27 (e.g., for Wow and Flutter measurement on aselected frequency) and or FM detector 28 (for measuring modulationeffects). Tuner/receiver 41 may be coupled to the output of the DUT (orto the output of modifier 26 or 26A) for measuring any modulationeffects (e.g., phase and or frequency shifts) of any signal from theDUT.

It should be noted that the complex signal source 111 may include one ormore “voices” or musical instruments.

Thus, source 111 may be substituted for any of the signal sourcespreviously mentioned (e.g., 111 may substitute for the sources 21, 22,and or 23; 67 and or 68; 84, 85, and or 86; or the like).

It should be known that a source such as 111 may be used in conventionaltesting such as harmonic and or intermodulation distortion measurementswith or without a variable bias condition.

FIG. 17 shows various ways to detect or demodulate an FM signal. Asignal 125 coupled via the DUT's output (e.g., and is sufficiently freeof interfering signals for detection of a particular carrier or selectedsignal/tone) is coupled to an amplifier and or amplitude limiteramplifier, circuit 121. The output of circuit 121 is coupled via anoptional filter 122 to a detector 123. Block 123 may be implemented interms of a phase detector, quadrature detector, ratio detector, slopedetector, regenerative detector, discriminator, phase lock loop, peakdifferential detector, and or a frequency to voltage/current converter.

One example of a frequency to voltage/current converter is shown byblocks 126, 127 and 128.

A second example of a frequency to voltage/current converter is shown atnumerals 126A, 127A, 127B, 129, and 128B. Both examples shown are alsoknown as pulse counter (FM) detectors. In particular the second example(via block 128B) is used in analog video recorders, and has an advantageof recovering a wider bandwidth than the first pulse counter detector(via block 128) or many of the examples of detector 123.

For the first (example) pulse counter detector, a (limiter) circuit 126is coupled to the signal 125 from the DUT, which may include a modifier26, or block 126's input may be coupled to the optional filter 122. Theoutput of amplifier, limiter, and or comparator 126 is then coupled to atiming circuit, which generates a fixed duration pulse (triggered fromeither edge of block 126's output). The output of block 127, which is atrain of fixed width pulses, is coupled to a low pass filter 128, whichthen provides a voltage in proportion to the frequency of the carrier orselected signal or tone. If the selected signal or tone shifts up infrequency, more pulses per time will occur and the low pass filteroutput will increase. If the selected signal or tone shifts down infrequency, less pulses per time from block 127 will occur and the outputof low pass filter 128 will decrease.

The second example of pulse counter (FM) detector receives the signal125 (dashed line) and utilizes both rising and falling edges (e.g., ofthe selected carrier signal) via the comparator/amplifier/limiter 126A's(complementary) outputs. Each 126A output is coupled to a timinggenerator 127A and 127B, and both 127A and 127B deliver a fixed pulseduration for its output. A logic OR (function) circuit 129 is coupled toeach output of the timing generators, and the output of circuit 129 thenis a double rate or double frequency FM signal from the selected tone orsignal. With the double rate signal, the bandwidth for the low passfilter 128B may be extended (e.g., over filter 128), for a greaterrecovered information.

In some tests of DUTs that may include crossover, quantizing, and orclipping distortion, the second pulse counter detector (e.g., via126A,127A,127B,129, and 128B) is more desirable in that thediscontinuous (wider band width) nature of the phase and or frequencymodulation effect is more faithfully reproduced.

Other types of testing may include a modulated waveform such as AM, PM,and or FM coupled into the DUT with or without dynamic biasing formeasuring any extraneous sidebands, and or any deviation from therecovered modulation, which may include harmonic and or intermodulationdistortion and or phase and or frequency modulation effect(s). Thedynamic biasing may include a period waveform, an arbitrary orprogrammed waveform, and or at least one modulated signal.

In terms of another signal source or sources, any of the previouslymentioned signal sources may be a modulated signal source. As shown inFIG. 18A, a modulated signal source with a modulating signal m(t) and a“carrier” frequency signal f(t) may be used. The output of FIG. 18A or131 may then provide an amplitude, frequency, and or phase modulatedsignal (e.g., for coupling to a DUT). The output of 131 may serve as asignal source for any waveforms in FIG. 12 (e.g., 131 output, amodulated signal may be used for 66, 67, and or 68). (It should be notedthat a modulated signal may include a zero modulation.)

For example, an amplitude modulated signal (e.g., for coupling to a DUT)may include single sideband, double sideband suppressed carrier, doublesideband with carrier, and or a vestigial amplitude modulation.Amplitude modulation may include pulse amplitude modulation and or avariation of a carrier signal's amplitude level.

For phase modulation, examples may include I and Q type phasemodulation, phase shift keying modulation, or simple phase modulation.Examples of frequency modulation may include narrow and or wide bandfrequency deviation and or frequency shift keying modulation. Frequencyand or phase modulation may include vestigial frequency and or phasemodulation.

Other examples of modulation may include pulse code modulation (e.g.,for block 131)

In an example for amplitude modulation, a continuous tone signal of 3KHz and an amplitude modulated 16 KHz signal was combined and coupled toa DUT (e.g., a two transistor amplifier of previous mention.). In theprevious example, it was shown experimentally that a lower frequencysignal combined with a higher frequency signal caused an induced phaseand or frequency modulation effect on the higher frequency signal. Inthis example, the amplitude modulated higher frequency signal caused aninduced phase and frequency modulation effect on the lower frequencysignal. In one experiment a 100 Hz sine wave (e.g., m(t)) amplitudemodulated a 16 KHz signal (e.g., f(t)) to generate this amplitudemodulated signal that is combined with a 3 KHz signal for the DUT'sinput signal. With a band pass filter or modifier (e.g., to remove the16 KHz amplitude modulated signal and pass through the 3000 KHz signal)coupled from the output of the amplifier or DUT to a Wow and Fluttermeter, and it was found that 0.03% Wow and Flutter was measured. Again,this is an unexpected result (e.g., normally it would be expected thatan electronic amplifier has Wow and Flutter=0.000%, or an amplifiershould exhibit no Wow and Flutter) in that a higher frequency signalinduces a phase and or frequency modulation onto a lower frequencysignal. It should be noted that a frequency, (and or phase) modulatedsignal may have been used to modulate a signal. For example, manydevices may exhibit a variation in frequency response. A frequency (orphase) modulated signal will then cause a incidental amplitudemodulation effect when the device has a variation in frequency response,which will cause a (differential) phase or frequency modulation effecton another signal from the device. For example, a envelope variation ofa carrier frequency signal can induce phase or frequency modulationeffect(s) on another signal. The envelope may include two or moresignals added to form an envelope to cause a modulation effect (e.g., onanother signal such as a lower and or higher frequency signal).

FIG. 18B shows that any of the signal sources may include a noisegenerator. The noise source as a signal source may include filtering toshape one or more types of frequency responses. In one example, a noisesource may be substituted for any of the previously mentioned signalsources and or used for a modulating signal source such as m(t) in FIG.18A.

A DUT or device under test may include an amplifier (stage), processor,recorder, transducer (e.g., microphone and or speaker, earphone, or thelike), a mechanical device, an electromechanical device, an opticaldevice, an electrical device, a magnetic device, and or anelectromagnetic device. Any of these examples may be measured for aninduced phase and or frequency modulation effect cause by one or morefrequencies. FIG. 18C shows such examples of any DUT.

In an example of using an electromechanical device or transducer, amicrophone may be tested for induced phase and or frequency modulationby sonically generating two or more sounds of different frequencies intothe microphone and then outputting the microphone's signal to a detectorand or modifier and detector for measuring phase and or frequencymodulation effect(s). The multiple frequency sounds for example may begenerated by musical instruments, and or loud speakers. In an example ofusing a loudspeaker or speaker system, signal(s) of multiple frequenciesmay be applied to a loudspeaker or loudspeaker system. The amplifierdriving the loudspeaker would have to generate low amounts of inducedphase and frequency modulation distortion itself. A method to avoid theneed of a “perfect” amplifier is to use one amplifier for each (e.g.,single) frequency signal and or to use a separate speaker for eachamplifier. For example, for a two (or n) signal test, two (or n)amplifiers and two (or n) speakers are used. This way there is noinduced phase or frequency modulation effect from the amplifiers or fromthe speakers since each item handles a single frequency. The multiplespeakers then generate multiple sound signals to the microphone fortesting in terms of a modulation effect (e.g., phase and or frequency).

So transducers such as loudspeakers, phonograph pickup cartridges, andor microphones (or other devices) may be tested for differential phaseand or (differential) frequency modulation effect(s).

The invention or an embodiment is not limited to electrical devices.Mechanical devices may be tested similarly. Optical devices withdifferent wavelength sources entering the optics may output a shift inwavelength caused by least one of the entering wavelength sources.

In the instance of magnetic or electromagnetic devices, examples wouldinclude waveguides and or antennas. For example, nonlinear effects ofdielectrics may cause an induced phase and or frequency modulationeffect. Some types of inductors and or transformers may be included asexamples of magnetic and or electromagnetic devices.

In terms of an RF or radio frequency system, any of the embodiments areapplicable. For example, in a broadband front end section of a receiver(e.g., broadcast or shortwave or higher frequency such as VHF or UHF) alower frequency signal may induce a phase and or frequency modulationeffect on receiving a higher frequency signal (or vice versa where by ahigher frequency (RF) signal may induce a phase and or frequencymodulation effect on a (received) lower frequency (RF) signal.) Forexample in AM broadcast, which has a range of 535 KHz to 1605 KHz, alarge amplitude signal at 540 KHz can affect a received signal of 1600KHz if the front end is broadband and uses a solid state device. Under alarge signal condition, the solid state device has a varactor effect,which changes capacitance or reactance versus a voltage swing. The lowerfrequency signal at 540 KHz causes a modulation effect on the receptionof the higher frequency 1600 KHz in terms of adding extra phase noise.

Any of the embodiments is applicable to electromechanical systems aswell. For example, recorders or players can be tested for induced phaseand or frequency modulation distortions caused by multiple inputsignals. Some players and or recorders may or may not include amechanical apparatus, but can still be tested by any of the inventivemethods mentioned.

A DUT may include audio compression systems, whether for audioprocessing and or for reduced data rate.

It should be noted that a time (or frequency) scaled version (e.g., timecompressed and or expanded) of video test signals such as multiburst,modulated ramp or stairstep, multipulse, and or modulated sine squaredpulse, is useful in testing various aspects of audio and RF devices (ora DUT). (Note that a varying biasing voltage or current may be used withany of these time scaled video signal provide new methods of testing.)As an alternative, it is possible to provide a video like signal (suchas those video signals previously mentioned) into a DUT's input and thensample and store the output signal of the DUT. With the stored signal inmemory, one would then clock the memory out at a rate such that a videotest equipment (e.g., vectorscope or Tektronix VM700) will be able tomeasure differential gain and or phase, and or other video performancetests such as luma/chroma delay, K factor, and the like.

In terms of any of the signals from the output of a DUT, any of thesesignals may be processed. For example, any signal from the output of aDUT may be frequency mixed, modulated, shifted, and or translated toanother frequency for measurement. Any signal frequency from the outputof a DUT may be divided and or multiplied for a measurement (e.g., for amodulation effect).

One embodiment may be summarized as: A method of measuring frequency orphase modulation effects of an electronic, electromechanical, optical,mechanical, electromagnetic, magnetic, optical, and or transducerdevice, wherein the device has an input and an output, comprising:

coupling two or more frequency signals into the input; and

providing an FM detector and or a phase detector coupled to the outputof the device, to measure a frequency or phase modulation effect orfrequency or phase shift for one or more frequency signals at the outputof the device. It should be noted that the device's output may becoupled to a modifier's input, and the modifier's output may be coupledto a detector.

It should be noted that any or all of the previously mentioned methods,embodiments, and or apparatuses may be implemented in any combination ofanalog, digital, and or software.

For example, the complex or composite signal(s), modifier, and ordetector may be generated in the analog domain, digital domain, and orin software.

As a further note, any or all the embodiments may be used for measuringa phase and or a frequency modulation effect of devices, which mayinclude video devices. So the scope of the invention, may include audio,video, RF equipment, circuits, and or devices. On other note, the signalor signals coupled to the input of the device or DUT may include asource impedance. This source impedance may include any combination ofresistive, capacitive, and or inductive element(s). For example, thesignal coupled to an RF amplifier may be of moderate impedance such as300 ohms. And in an audio amplifier, such as a phono cartridgepreamplifier, the signal may be coupled to the phono preamplifier via a500 millihenry inductor, a 500 pico farad capacitor, and a 47 thousandohm load resistor, which may represent a high impedance signal source.Because RF and audio amplifiers may have input amplifier stages withnonlinear capacitance (or nonlinear inductance), including (a) sourceimpedance for the signal source(s) may be necessary to reveal phase andor frequency modulation effect(s), such as those mentioned in any of theembodiments. It should be noted that the output of any DUT may beloaded. For example, a DUT's output may be loaded with a resistive,capacitive, inductive, and or electromechanical device (e.g., headphoneor loudspeaker system). An output load for the DUT may reveal phase andor frequency modulation effect(s).

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment that allows measuring differential phase andor frequency modulation effects on a device under test. Signal generator21, 22, or 23 is coupled to an optional phase shifting circuit 135.Block 135 may be needed to allow the phase detector 28′ to work in itslinear region or in its center region for the phase versus voltage (orcurrent) output. It should be further noted that the DUT may include atime delay, which block 135 can be used for compensating to the phasedetector. Block 135 may include an oscillator circuit that is coupled toany of the signal generators.

(For FIGS. 19 to 22, block 135 may include or be a phase lockoscillator, a phase lock loop circuit, crash locked oscillator circuit,triggered oscillator circuit, or the like, whose input of 135 is coupledto a signal generator's output e.g., to an input signal source.)

(In FIG. 21 or 22, block 135 may lock onto a fundamental frequency,harmonic or intermodulation distortion signal derived from one or moresignal generators.)

The output of 135 is coupled to an input of a phase detector 28′. Ingeneral, a selected input signal is coupled to a first input of thephase detector (28′). This selected input signal coupled to the firstinput of the phase detector is indicative of the frequency passedthrough by modifier 26. As previously mentioned in FIG. 3, two or moresignals are summed via summing/combining circuit 24 and coupled to thedevice under test (DUT), 25. The output of DUT 25 is coupled to theinput of modifier 26. A modifier, 26, (at its output) removes orattenuates one or more signals of (each) selected frequency, whilepassing through the signal for testing phase and or frequency modulationeffect(s). The output of the modifier is then coupled to a second inputof the phase detector. The output of the phase detector 28′ (or FMdetector 27′) then is generally coupled to a (suitable) filter formeasurement on an oscilloscope or meter. In FIG. 19, block 27′ isoptional, if Wow and Flutter or a frequency modulation effect is furthermeasured.

An example of FIG. 19 would have in a simplest form, two signals (e.g.,21 and 22, with 23 not used), Gen1 and Gen2. For instance, the frequencyof Gen1 of less than the frequency of Gen2 (e.g., frequency ofGen1<=1000 Hz, frequency of Gen2>=3000 Hz). These two signals will becoupled to DUT 25 and the modifier 26 will remove the lower frequencysignal, leaving the higher frequency signal to be coupled to the secondinput of the phase detector 28′. And, Gen2 is then coupled to the firstinput of the phase detector 28′. The output of 28′ may include a filterthat removes frequency components of Gen2 or higher for measurement on ascope or meter. On a scope for this example, the triggering ispreferably locked via the Gen1 or lower frequency source.

As explained previously for FIG. 3, frequency deviation or modulationeffects is measured via 27, and thus, similarly for 27′ in FIG. 19 (or27′ in FIGS. 20-22).

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of the invention including a modulatedsignal into the DUT. Generator 23′ is a modulating signal, m(t) andgenerator 21′ is a carrier signal, f(t). Signals from 21′ and 23′ arecoupled to a modulator, M′ator, which is block 131′. Modulator 131′ mayinclude for example an amplitude modulator (or other type of modulator).

The input of the DUT is then coupled to the output of the modulator andsignal generator 22. The output of the DUT is then coupled to themodifier 26 to remove/attenuate signals related to the modulator whilepassing a signal related to generator 22. Again, the output of themodifier 26 is coupled to a second input of phase detector 28′ while afirst input of phase detector is coupled to generator 22, Gen2 forexample. The output of 28′ then allows measurement of phase modulationon a frequency of Gen2 based on modulating a (higher) carrier frequency.Also, via 27′, frequency modulation effect(s) is measured for frequencydeviation or shift on a frequency related to Gen2 based on modulating a(higher) carrier frequency. For measurement on a scope, the triggeringsignal is preferably coupled to m(t), the modulating signal, whichcauses the phase or frequency modulation effect on the DUT.

An example of FIG. 20 may include the frequency range of m(t), themodulation signal as <=1000 Hz, and a carrier frequency for f(t)as >5000 Hz, while the frequency range of Gen2 being between thefrequency of m(t) and f(t). One example would have the carrier frequency(of f(t) or 21′) at 16 KHz, the modulation frequency of m(t) or 23′ at500 Hz, and the frequency of Gen2 at 4000 Hz. In this example, the 500Hz signal (amplitude) modulating a 16 KHz signal along with a 4000 Hzsignal to an input of the DUT will cause a phase (or frequency)modulation at the output of the DUT for a frequency in or near Gen2 or4000 Hz. Thus, the phase detector 28′ receives a first input signal fromGen2 and a second input signal from the modifier, whichremoves/attentuates the 16 KHz modulated signal (e.g., carrier andsideband signals from the modulating signal), while passing a signal forGen2 (e.g., 4000 Hz, and neighboring sidebands of Gen2). Of course other(ranges of) frequencies may be used for m(t), f(t), and or Gen2.

It should be noted that a modulated higher frequency signal (such asamplitude modulation on a higher frequency signal) causes someamplifiers to slew or nearly slew as the amplitude of the higherfrequency signal is modulated upwards. When an amplifier outputs ahigher frequency signal (e.g., carrier signal that is amplitudemodulated) that includes conditions of non-slewing, near slewing, and orslewing, the lower frequency signal (e.g., frequency of Gen2) willexhibit phase and or frequency modulation effects. Thus, an amplifier'sslewing effects or transient intermodulation distortion under varyinghigh frequency amplitudes results in a frequency or phase modulationeffect on a lower frequency signal. Slewing or transient intermodulationdistortion occurs (but is not limited to) when one or more stages of anamplifier overloads, approaches clipping/cutoff/saturation, or createsgross distortion, as frequency is increased at the input, or when a fastrise time signal is applied to the input. Thus, an embodiment of theinvention is to measure phase or frequency or amplitude modulation ofone or more signals other than the signal that is approaching slewing(e.g., approaching its slew rate) or slewing (e.g., output is at theslew rate). For example, suppose an amplifier generates a markedincrease in distortion at a particular output level of a signal atfrequency of FH (e.g., frequency of FH>10 KHz, e.g., frequency of FH=15KHz). Then a test signal may comprise or include an amplitude modulatedsignal at 15 KHz and a lower frequency (e.g., <15 KHz, e.g., 3 KHz)signal added and or an extra higher frequency signal added (e.g., >15KHz, e.g., 19 KHz). This example test signal is coupled to an input ofthe DUT, with the output of the DUT modified to remove the amplitudemodulated 15 KHz signal, or to pass through a band of frequencies aroundthe lower frequency signal such as 3 KHz and or around the extra higherfrequency signal such as 19 KHz. A phase or frequency or amplitudemeasurement is done (e.g., via a phase or frequency amplitude detector,or sideband/computational analysis) on the lower frequency signal and orthe extra higher frequency signal. The modulation signal has a frequencytypically less than the lower frequency signal, which for example mayinclude sinewave(s), sawtooth waveform(s), or other waveform(s).

Thus, an embodiment may include for measuring phase, frequency, and oramplitude modulation effect of one or more signals from a DUT's output,coupling to the input of the DUT a first signal, which is modulated, anda second and or Nth signal whose frequency is different from thefrequency of the first signal, coupling the output of the DUT to amodifier to remove a signal related to the first signal, or a modifierto pass one or more frequencies related to the second or Nth signal, andcoupling the output of the modifier for measurement of phase, frequency,and or amplitude modulation effect (via the DUT) on the second or Nthsignal induced by the first signal or modulated signal.

An embodiment (of the invention) includes coupling to an input of a DUTa first signal that comprises an amplitude modulated carrier signal anda second and/or Nth signal whose frequency is less than or greater thanthe frequency of the carrier signal, wherein the output of the DUT ismodified or filtered to pass one or more frequencies around thefrequency of the second or Nth signals, and wherein the modified orfilter output is measured for phase, frequency, and or amplitudevariation or modulation, induced by the first signal or amplitudemodulated carrier. Note the modifier or filter may pass distortionproduct(s) or signals from the output of the DUT for measurement ofphase, frequency, and or amplitude variation modulation induced by thefirst signal. The modulated signal may be symmetrical or asymmetrical orarbitrary; the output of the DUT (or the modulated signal at the outputof the DUT) may be not clipping, clipping on one or more polarity, notslewing, near slewing, and or slew rate limiting in one or more slope(e.g., positive or negative slope), for measurement of phase, frequency,and or amplitude measurements as mentioned above.

In another example, FIG. 20 illustrates measuring phase and or frequencymodulation of a modulated signal. For instance, the modifier 26 nowremoves frequency components related to Gen2 while passing the modulatedsignal comprised of f(t). If the modulator 131′ is an amplitudemodulator (with carrier), then 131′ would preferably include a limiteramplifier or function prior to coupling into 28′ second input, or to theinput of 27′. For phase detector 28′, a first input is (now instead)coupled to Gen1′ or 21′ to allow measuring differential phase (phasemodulation) on a modulated signal (or a carrier signal). Similarly 27′allows measuring frequency modulation effect(s) on a modulated waveform(or a carrier signal). For measurement on a scope, preferably, thetrigger signal is coupled to Gen2, which is also the signal that causesthe phase and or frequency modulation effect on the DUT.

In taking the frequency example above Gen2 may include frequency of 4000Hz or lower, while f(t), the carrier signal may include a frequencyof >=12 KHz. The modulating signal m(t) may include frequency of <4 KHz.The signals from 131′ and Gen2 are coupled to (an input of) DUT 25(e.g., via summing function or circuit 24) and the output of DUT 25 iscoupled to a modifier to remove or attenuate (lower) the frequencyrelated to Gen2 (e.g., remove frequencies at 4000 Hz or lower) whilepassing the higher frequency signal related to the carrier signal.Preferably, a limiting amplifier is included to remove attenuateamplitude variations prior to coupling to the input of 28′ or 27′. Notethat 27′ generally includes one or more limiting amplifiers for FMdetection. For the phase measurement, the phase detector's first inputis coupled to 21′ or f(t), the carrier signal, while the second input iscoupled to the output of modifier 26. Of course, other frequencies maybe used for 21′, 23′, and or 22 in FIG. 20.

Previously, it was mentioned that the modulator 131′ may be a phasemodulator or frequency modulator. For measurement of (additional) phaseand or (additional) frequency modulation effects from a DUT, a preferredmethod or apparatus would include having a second Wow and Flutter meteror FM detector, and or a second phase detector, both not shown in FIG.20. Referring to FIG. 20, the second FM detector or second phasedetector (e.g., second input) would be coupled to the output 131′ (wherethere is phase or frequency modulation from M′ator). And the first inputof the second phase detector would be coupled to Gen1′ or Gen2. Phaseadjustment block 135 is optional for the second phase detector. In thisexample, 27′ is considered as a first FM detector and 28′ is consideredas a first phase detector. For 131′ having a phase modulated signal, thenet differential phase modulation from DUT's output is measured bydifferentially measuring the outputs of the first and second phasedetectors. That is one phase detector coupled to the modulator prior tothe DUT and another phase detector coupled to the output of the DUT (viamodifier 26) and subtracting the phase detector outputs (from each otherto provide a net phase modulation measurement). Similarly, for netfrequency modulation measurement, the second FM detector is coupled to131's wherein the there is frequency modulation from M′ator 131′, andthe first FM detector 27′ is coupled as seen in FIG. 20. The netfrequency modulation effect is measured from the DUT via subtracting theoutput from the two FM detectors (e.g., to provide a net frequencymodulation measurement).

Note that net phase and or frequency modulation measurement(s) mayinclude from 131′ amplitude modulation. That is, 131′ may include phaseand amplitude modulation at its output, or frequency and amplitudemodulation at its output. Under the example, net phase or net frequencymodulation effect(s) from the DUT would be caused by more than one typeof modulation (of 131′). The modulation signal for amplitude modulatingthe FM (frequency modulation) or PM (phase, pulse width, or positionmodulation) signal may be a separate signal m2(t) from m(t), or m2(t)may be related to m(t).

As previously mentioned an embodiment includes measuring phase and orfrequency modulation effect(s) of one or more distortion signals fromthe DUT. FIG. 21 illustrates an example of measuring the differentialphase (or the frequency modulation) of signal or signals from the DUT'soutput, wherein the frequency or frequencies of the signal(s) includethe frequency (frequencies) of the input signal(s) and or one or moredistortion (harmonic and or intermodulation) signal from the DUT. Here,up to N tones or signals are coupled to the input of the DUT. The outputof the DUT is modified (via modifier 26) to remove or attenuate one ormore signals while passing through a selected signal. This selectedsignal may be of distortion signal based on the N tones. For example, aselected signal may be a harmonic (signal) of Gen1 or Gen2 . . . , orGenN. Another example, a selected signal may be an intermodulationdistortion product or signal of Gen1, Gen2 . . . , and or GenN. Tomeasure differential phase of distortion product(s) or signal(s) fromDUT 25, one or more input signal generator(s) is coupled to a distortionproducing circuit 136 to produce the desired signal for phase detector28′. For example, if an mth harmonic of Gen2 is produced at the outputof DUT 25, the modifier 26 (whose input is coupled to the output of DUT25) passes through this mth harmonic signal of Gen2 while attenuatingone or more other signals from the DUT's output. Distortion producingcircuit 136 will take input signal Gen2 and produce the mth harmonic ofit and couple this mth harmonic signal (via the generator or inputsignal) to a first input of phase detector 28′ via optional (phaseadjusting) block 135. Because input signals or generators are used, theoutput of 136 or 135 will contain no phase modulation effect and or nofrequency modulation effect. The output of modifier 26 then passes thephase and or frequency modulated mth harmonic (e.g., of Gen2) to asecond input of the phase detector 28′. The output 28′ then provides adifferential phase measurement of an mth harmonic of a tone or signalwherein another tone or signal (e.g., one or more input signal(s) ortone(s)) causes the differential phase (variation) or phase modulation.

Similarly when an intermodulation distortion signal is provided by DUT25, the modifier 26 will selectively pass this intermodulationdistortion signal (caused by mixing or nonlinearity based on two or moresignals or frequencies by the DUT) to the second input of the phasedetector 28′. Distortion generator (and filter) 136 will be coupled tothe two more signals or tones to produce intermodulation and thus a tonerepresenting substantially the same frequency as the signal out of themodifier 26 (but with no phase or frequency modulation effect for outputof 136 or 135). Thus, the output of 28′ then provides a measurement fordifferential phase or phase modulation (from one or more input signals)on one or more intermodulation distortion product or signal from theoutput of the DUT.

Wow and Flutter meter or FM detector 27′ then can be used in measuringfrequency modulation effect(s) of harmonic and or intermodulationproduct(s) or signal(s) from the DUT via modifier 26.

There is an example where a lower frequency signal causes frequency orphase modulation of one or more higher frequency signals (including oneor more fundamental frequencies and or harmonic(s)), or intermodulationsignals from any combination of input signals at the output of the DUT.For example, Gen1 may be a lower frequency signal of <=1 KHz while Gen2may be a signal>=4 KHz. The phase modulation effect on the >=4 KHzsignal is induced by the <=1 KHz signal. To illustrate, set Gen1 to 600HZ and Gen2 to 4 KHz. The DUT will output a phase and frequencymodulated 4 KHz signal and if the DUT exhibits harmonic distortion, thena multiple of 4 KHz signal(s) will also be phase and or frequencymodulated. For each modulated harmonic selected via the modifying block25 (to second input of phase detector 28′), distortion circuit 136 willproduce an unmodulated harmonic (via derivation of the distortionproduct from the input source(s)) for the phase detector's first (e.g.,reference) input of 28′.

Similarly, from the output of DUT 25 (or output of 135), intermodulationcomponent(s) may appear. These can include signal(s) that comprise offrequencies of the sum and or difference of the frequencies of Gen1 andGen2 (e.g., in the above example, frequency of Gen1=FL and frequency ofGen2=FH, so intermodulation component(s) can include FH+/−FL, and ingeneral, p(FH)+1−q(FL), where p and q are elements of the integer numbersystem). The DUT 25 will include a phase or frequency modulated versionof the intermodulation signal(s), whereas the output of 136 will notinclude phase or frequency modulation of the intermodulation signal(s).As similarly described above, modifier 26 will pass the selectedintermodulation distortion signal to a second input of the phasedetector, and the first input of the phase detector will be coupled to136 for measuring differential phase or phase modulation of one or moreintermodulation component or signal from the DUT's output.

In another example of measuring intermodulation more than two signals orgenerators may be used. For example, two higher frequency signal alongwith a third lower frequency signal may be used in determining phasemodulation effect from a DUT for intermodulation component(s) of the twohigher frequency signals (induced phase modulation from the third lowerfrequency signal).

Similarly, a modulated higher frequency signal and a lower frequencysignal may be used to measure phase modulation of a harmonic of a lowerfrequency signal. Or two or more lower frequency signals and a modulatedhigher frequency signal may be used to test for phase modulation onintermodulation components of the two or more lower frequency signals,or of any combination of the lower frequency signal(s) and higherfrequency signal. Other combinations of input sources or frequencies arepossible.

FIG. 21 then allows to test for phase modulation effect from the outputof the DUT for (phase modulated) distortion product(s) signal (which iscoupled to a second input of a phase detector 28′). This is done bygenerating or providing (unmodulated or stable phase) correspondingdistortion product(s) signal to a reference or first input to a phasedetector 28′. Optionally, FIG. 21 allows for testing of frequencymodulation from the output of the DUT for frequency modulated distortionsignals via 27′.

FIG. 22 is similar as FIG. 21 with generator 138 providing the two ormore signals and or modulated signals (via Out1) coupled to the input ofDUT 25. Generator 138 also provides a selected fundamental, harmonic,and or intermodulation frequency signal (via Out2) that is coupled tothe reference or first input of a phase detector 28′. Phase adjustmentblock 135 is optional to tune the overall phase so that phase detector28′ is working within a linear region (or is centered) of the phaseangle versus voltage transfer function. Generator 138 may be a multipleoutput signal device that uses frequency synthesis to provide signals tothe DUT's input but also synthesizing the corresponding signal(s) tomatch in frequency for the phase detector (28′ reference input) so thatphase modulation of the fundamental frequency and or distortion products(from DUT 25 via the modifier 26) can be measured accurately. Thus, afrequency synthesizer may be used in place of blocks 21, 22, 23, 24, and136 of FIG. 21. Generator 138′ may include a phase control, so block 135may be bypassed.

FIG. 22 also allows testing for frequency modulation effects of the DUTvia a frequency synthesizer 138. The frequency modulation effectincludes frequency modulation of distortion product(s) from the DUT. Theoutput of the modifier 26 is coupled to 27′ for a frequency modulationor Wow and Flutter measurement.

For FIG. 19, 20, 21, and or 22 the phase adjustment block 135 isoptional, as previously mentioned. In another embodiment of theinvention a phase shifting circuit or phase adjustment block may beincorporated in the modifier (e.g., 26) or placed/coupled prior or afterthe modifier.

FIG. 23 shows a way to measure differential phase via a phase lock loopcircuit. This phase lock loop circuit is provided by phase detector 28″,whose output is coupled to the input of VCO system 139′. The output of139′ is a continuous wave signal, which is fed back to In2 of phasedetector 28″. The output of modifier 26 as previously explained, whichincludes phase modulation from the DUT is coupled to In1 of 28″. Aprevious attempt in using this method had a problem that showed ratherincorrect results or too low of phase modulation from the DUT. Thereason for this problem is that the VCO system 139′ (in the previousattempt) had too much frequency deviation range, which tended to trackthe incoming phase modulation. It should be noted that In2 of phasedetector 28″ should have a stable phase signal (e.g., not a signal thatfollows the phase modulation of the DUT).

To improve the accuracy of measuring differential phase from DUT 25, anarrow range VCO (voltage controlled oscillator) system is used in 139′.Such a narrow range VCO may include a crystal oscillator, ceramicresonator oscillator, or high Q inductor capacitor oscillator withnarrow range. (Preferably the narrow range should be in the area of<0.5% of the oscillation frequency.) This implies that the inputgenerators' frequency that is passed through the modifier 26 must bevery stable (e.g., crystal controlled) as well and should exhibit lowphase noise. Also, preferably, the VCO control voltage while the PLLcircuit of 28″ and 139′ is locked should be low in AC voltage as to nottrack (or track minimally) the DUT's output signal phase modulation. Theoutput of the phase detector PDO is then coupled to a suitable filter(e.g., usually of wider bandwidth than the filter used in the VCOSystem, 139′, to provide a signal via PDO substantially indicative ofthe induced phase modulation) to attenuate frequencies related to theinput of the phase detector (In1 and or In2). Because in the specificcase of audio testing, a low frequency VCO may include a higherfrequency narrow range (e.g., low phase noise) voltage controlledoscillator followed by a suitable frequency counter or divider (e.g., afrequency divider output is coupled to the input In2 of 28″).

Two or more serially coupled phase lock loop circuits may be used toprovide improved average phase, which would be used in measuring thephase modulation effect on a DUT. For example, a phase lock loopcomprises of an input (usually coupled to a phase detector' input) andan output (usually the output of an oscillator or an output of a counterwhose input is coupled to the oscillator's output).

One embodiment of the invention would include coupling two of more phaselock loop circuits in series or cascade. The input of the first phaselock loop circuit would be coupled (via modifier 26) to the DUT. Theoutput of the final phase lock loop would be coupled to a first orreference input of a (separate) phase detector while the second or otherinput of the (separate) phase detector is coupled to the output of theDUT (e.g., via a modifier 26). The output of the (separate) phasedetector is then coupled via a filter to a meter or oscilloscope formeasurement of phase modulation effect on the DUT.

In an alternate example, the phase lock loop system with PDO may besubstituted for 28′ in FIG. 19, 20, 21, and or 22 (where block 135 or136 is not needed).

It should be noted (however) that the method or apparatus as shown inFIG. 19, 20, 21, and or 22 has (substantially) the highest accuracybecause a derived input signal is coupled to the first or referenceinput of the phase detector. (Preferably FIG. 19, 20, 21, and or 22include a DUT that does not change the frequency of the input signalsuch as amplifiers, speakers, microphones).

Phase adjustment block 135 in any of these figures may include an allpass phase shifter, a filter (e.g., low pass, high pass, and or bandpass), and or a regeneration oscillator. Phase adjustment block 135 canbe used as a calibrating tool for the phase measurement. For exampleblock 135 can switch in (a phase lead or phase lag of) a phase shiftangle of “x” degrees, in which the phase detector will show acorresponding voltage or signal. For instance, a change in “x” degreesvia block 135 will yield “y” volts change in output of the phasedetector (e.g., 28′).

It should be noted that (Ref In of) an input of phase detector 28′ inFIG. 19, 20, 22, and or 22 may be coupled to the input generator(s) suchas Gen1, Gen2, and or GenN (or other signal sources) via summing orcombining circuit 24 or via the input of the DUT 25. A phase adjustmentblock 135 and or filter may be included in (between) the coupling of theoutput of summing circuit 24 to an input to phase detector 28′.

FIG. 19, 20, 21, and or 22 are examples of the previously mentionedpassage (paragraph [0017] of US 2007/0069737 A1) of the inventionpertaining to measuring (small) variation(s) in the phase (or frequency)response of a DUT with a dynamic biasing signal (e.g., lower frequencysignal) to provide the variation(s) of phase (e.g., of a higherfrequency signal). And the phase response is sometimes defined as themeasured phase angle of the output minus the phase angle of the input ofthe DUT. Thus, measuring a variation of the phase response refers tophase variations of the output of the DUT as compared to phase of theinput of the DUT (by definition the phase angle to the input is usuallyconsidered as zero degrees).

FIG. 23 with a narrow range (band) VCO has an additional advantage ofmeasuring phase modulation because the DUT, which may (or may not) havea slight change in frequency at the DUT output. A DUT such as (digital)recorder at playback or a digital processor may output a slight changein frequency at its output (versus the input frequency).

In an embodiment (of the invention), while the selection of a waveformmay be sinusoidal for the signal that causes the phase or frequencymodulation effect on a DUT, a non sinusoidal waveform can be used (e.g.,for FIGS. 3, 19, 20, 21, 22, and or 23). A waveform including one ormore ramp(s) can be used, for instance. For example a linear functionsignal such as a simple sawtooth waveform (or triangle wave) may be usedfor the lower frequency signal (or the modulating signal, e.g., m(t))that induces phase or frequency modulation effect on a DUT. Linearfunction signals (e.g., y=mx+b) can be used to map out a phase versusvoltage transfer function. This transfer function can be decomposed inpolynomial form (or power series analysis) to determine (or predict) thelinear term and distortion products of phase modulation for a sinusoidalwaveform when substituted in place of the linear function signal. Bytaking the derivative of the power series (or polynomial), the frequencymodulation effect can be decomposed into a linear term plus distortionproducts for a sinusoidal signal instead of the linear function signal.

Note that frequency deviation (modulation) is proportional to the phase(angle) shift modulation times the frequency of the signal causing thephase modulation. So determining the range of phase shift over thevoltage range at the output of the DUT may be sufficient in predictingthe frequency modulation effect of the DUT.

For example, in the previous embodiments involving a low frequencysignal inducing frequency modulation on a higher frequency signal (asmeasured from the output of the DUT), increasing the frequency of thelow frequency signal results in a proportional increase in inducedfrequency modulation e.g., frequency deviation of the higher frequencysignal.

In one example of FIG. 19, the lower frequency generator signal is asawtooth waveform, and the higher frequency generator signal is asinusoid. Other combinations are possible.

For example “complex” sawtooth waveform may include of two or morepositive (or negative) slope segments (and or curve) to form a piecewisesignal. A first or second or “N” slope segment may be used to revealcrossover distortion effect near the zero crossing of the DUT. In thisexample, a ramp may have a greater (steeper) slope at outside acrossover distortion region, and a smaller (shallower) slope ramp maypass though the crossover distortion region. And a suitable higherfrequency signal is added to this “complex” sawtooth waveform to measurethe phase and frequency modulation effect. In this example the “complex”ramp allows closer scrutiny of phase or frequency modulation effects ofa DUT into the crossover distortion region.

Another embodiment (of the invention) includes measuring multiplesignals at the output of the DUT for phase and or frequency modulation.For example, using a second (or N) modifier coupled to the DUT andanother set of phase and or frequency detectors, one can measure how ahigh frequency signal (e.g., modulated carrier) induces phase and orfrequency modulation on a lower frequency signal and how a lowerfrequency signal induces phase and or frequency modulation on a higherfrequency signal (e.g., modulated or unmodulated carrier). Asimultaneous measurement of both effects may reveal an interaction oftransient and or steady state phase and or frequency modulation of howthe signals affect each other. For example, a modulated higher frequencysignal may induce (phase or frequency) modulation on the lower frequencysignal, while the lower frequency signal is inducing (phase orfrequency) modulation of the higher frequency signal. The effect of themodulated higher frequency signal may cause an increased effect of phasemodulation on itself. That is when two or more signals are phase orfrequency modulating each other, there may be a “reflecting” orinteractive effect on each signal. This embodiment may includemodulating both or either (e.g., lower frequency and or higherfrequency) signal(s) and measuring the phase and or frequency modulationfrom two or more phase and or frequency detectors (via filters and orlimiting amplifier or equivalent, and or spectrum analysis or a spectrumanalysis system, see below).

For example for an amplitude modulated signal comprised of, (two ormore) signals in the general form of S1(t)=[1+m1(t)] sin [(2piF1)t], andS2(t)=[1+m2(t)] sin [(2piF2)t]. S1(t)+S2(t) are coupled to a DUT, theoutput of the DUT is measured for phase modulation of signals around F1and or F2. And for example, F2>F1 in frequency and m2(t) may be a lowerfrequency (sinusoid) waveform of frequency lower than F2 or F1. Themodulating signal m1(t) may be a step function including u(t−td) oru(t−td)×g(t), where td is a delay time and g(t) is a waveform function.Alternatively m1(t) may be a pulse waveform or filtered (e.g., low passfiltered) pulse waveform, wherein the pulse waveform may include arectangular pulse or squarewave. Because m2(t) will induce phase andfrequency modulation effect on a signal around frequency F1 at theoutput of the DUT, by enabling m1(t) to increase the amplitude of asignal around frequency F1, the phase or frequency of the signal aroundF2 will shift. Because the carrier frequency F2 has shifted in phase orfrequency due to the (abrupt) increase in amplitude of sin [(2piF1)t],it may be possible to measure a (slight) change in phase or frequency ona signal of frequency (around) F1 at the output of the DUT. This exampleshows that an increase in (amplitude) modulation at frequency F1 canresult in a subsequent shift or variation in phase or frequency for F1.Other type or combination of modulation is possible for m1(t) and orm2(t), which include any combination of: Frequency Modulation, AmplitudeModulation, Position Modulation, Pulse-Width Modulation, PhaseModulation, and or no or negligible modulation (e.g., continuous wave).The DUT is not limited to two signals, and at least twomodulated/unmodulated signals may be coupled to an input to the DUT formeasurement of phase and or frequency modulation effect at the output ofthe DUT. For example, m1(t) may include phase or frequency modulation,while m2(t) may be a fixed constant. Then when S1(t) and S2(t) arecoupled to an input of a DUT, the output of the DUT will show frequencymodulation effect of a signal around F2 that is being phase or frequencymodulated one step further.

As mentioned before, the DUT may be an analog and or digital device. Itshould be noted at low levels some digital devices show a markedincrease in distortion, so measuring for phase and or frequencymodulation effects fundamental frequency and or distortion products isrelevant.

It should be noted that computational analysis of the sidebands may besubstituted to a phase or frequency detector for an alternative tomeasuring any of the frequency or phase modulated signals from the DUT(e.g., that is induced/caused by a lower or higher frequency signal).Sideband analysis was previously mentioned in US 2007/0069739 A1,published on Mar. 29, 2007 in paragraph [0050]. One embodiment of theinvention includes Fourier Analysis (e.g., Fourier or spectrum analysisincludes FFT, DFT, DTFT, DCT, Fourier Transform, Fourier Series,Discrete Fourier Series, using a spectrum or waveform analyzer, filter,tuned or tunable/variable frequency filter, and or the like) to analyzeone or more sideband signals around a signal whose spectrum is around FHand or FL (or distortion product(s)) out of the DUT. By calculating theenergy or power of the sidebands, a calculated frequency deviation isprovided.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,818,240 by Cabot (incorporated byreference) shows in column 9 line 30 that Wow and Flutter or frequencydeviation may be calculated as the addition of upper and lower sidebandsignals squared summed over N number of sideband pairs and then takingthe square root of the squared sums (Wow and Flutter or frequencydeviation=square root [(LSB1+USB1)^2+ . . . (LSBn+USBn)^2], where LSB isthe Lower Sideband, USB is the Upper Sideband, n=number of sidebandpairs, and ^2 represents raised to the second power.)

Another embodiment of the invention includes using sideband analysis(e.g., using a spectrum analysis system) to determine phase or frequencymodulation effects from one or more signals from the DUT, to preferablyuse/couple a filter or band pass filter from the DUT's output, andcouple the output of the filter or band pass filter to a limitingamplifier's input, and then perform Fourier/spectrum analysis or coupleto a spectrum or waveform analyzer. The limiting amplifier (or limiter,comparator circuit, or zero crossing circuit) removes amplitudemodulation sidebands to reveal any frequency or phase modulationsidebands. The output of the limiting amplifier then is coupled to aspectrum analyzer or to Fourier or spectrum analysis (system) forsideband analysis. Generally, the greater the amplitude and or number ofsidebands from the limiting amplifier's output reveal in someproportion, a greater amount of phase and or frequency deviation (e.g.,frequency deviation=square root [(LSB1+USB1)^2+ . . . (LSBn+USBn)^2],where LSB is the Lower Sideband, USB is the Upper Sideband, n=number ofsideband pairs, and ^2 represents raised to the second power.). Thefilter may pass through with sufficient bandwidth (for sidebands) aroundFL and or FH, any distortion products from the output of the DUT. Thelimiting amplifier, zero crossing circuit, modifier/filter, and orFourier or Spectrum analysis, may be implemented with analog and ordigital circuits, computer, and or Digital Signal Processing (DSP).

An example filter or bandpass filter is denoted by Modifier 26 or 26A(in FIG. 3,11,14, 16,19,20,21,22, or 23), or any of 31-36 or 41 (ofFIGS. 4A-4F, or FIG. 5) which would be coupled to a limiting amplifier(or equivalent) such as 121, 126, or 126A in FIG. 17.

The filter or bandpass filter may be implemented by a digital and oranalog filter. The limiting amplifier may be implemented by a Sgn(x)function, which for example has Sgn(x)=1 for x>0 and Sgn(x)=−1 for x<0.The limiting amplifier or comparator or Sgn(x) function serves as a zerocrossing detector of the signal that is to be measured for phase orfrequency modulation effect. Thus, an embodiment of the inventionincludes: Coupling two or more signals into a DUT's input, wherein theoutput of the DUT is modified by a filter or bandpass filter, andwherein the output of the filter or bandpass filter is coupled to an AMcomponent removing circuit or function/circuit comprising a limitingamplifier, zero crossing detector, Sgn(x) function, or the like, andwhereby the output of the AM component removing circuit or function isanalyzed for sidebands to determine phase or frequency modulation of oneor more signals from the DUT.

Analysis of sidebands and or carrier, spectrum analysis, or a spectrumanalysis system may include any of the following: FFT (Fast FourierTransform), FT (Fourier Transform), DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform)DTFT (Discrete Time Fourier Transform), Short Time Fourier Transform,Fourier Series, Discrete Fourier Series, Cosine Transform, DiscreteCosine Transform, filter, tuned filter, tunable/variable frequencyfilter, and or a spectrum or wave analyzer.

Filtering or modifying method or apparatus may include analog and ordigital filter(s) or modifying function(s).

One or more software programs (and or storage of data) may be includedin the invention. For example, software defined filter(s) or modifyingfunction(s) may be included as part of an embodiment of any of theinventions mentioned.

As mentioned previously, an embodiment of the invention may includemeasuring frequency response at different offsets of a device. Forexample, add an offset voltage for each frequency response measurement.For instance, such as adding one or more DC voltages (Note: normallydevices are measured for frequency with a zero offset voltage) with aswept frequency signal (e.g., two or more discrete tone bursts and orcontinuous sweeping in frequency) to measure a dynamic frequencyresponse.

In some devices, adding a DC offset signal is not possible because of DCblocking in the device (e.g., capacitor or transformer in a signal pathof an amplifier or device). Thus, one embodiment of measuring dynamicfrequency response of a system or DUT is to add a lower frequency signalwith a set of high frequency signals and measure the high frequencysignal's amplitude (and or phase response) as a function of the lowerfrequency signal voltage or current. The lower frequency signal mayinclude a stair step, ramp, sinusoidal, sawtooth, or arbitrary waveform.The set of higher frequency signals may include one or more tone bursts(e.g., multiburst), or a swept or varied frequency waveform/signal. Inone embodiment of the invention, a ramp, sinusoidal, or stair stepwaveform is provided as the lower frequency signal, and a continuouswave signal such as a higher frequency sine wave signal that is variedover time is provided as the higher frequency signal. The lowerfrequency signal and the higher frequency signal are coupled to an inputof the DUT, and the output of the DUT is measured for amplitude and orphase of the higher frequency signal (typically for two or more higherfrequencies). Generally, the lower frequency signal nearly spans therange of the DUT's output range, or can be narrower in range (e.g., toexamine dynamic frequency near the cross over distortion region of anamplifier, or quantizing distortion (range) of a digital system).

For example, a 100 Hz signal (e.g., sinewave) is summed with a signalsource whose frequency can be in the range of 1 KHz to 20 KHz. Typicallythe lower frequency signal is set to an amplitude to span most of thevoltage range of an amplifier and the higher frequency signals are lowerin amplitude of the lower frequency signal. The DUT is measured at theoutput of the higher frequency signal (via a spectrum analyzer orvoltmeter/oscilloscope/display with a modifier or filter to remove thelower frequency signal) at two of more high frequency signals. Forexample, a 100 Hz signal plus a 10 KHz signal is supplied to the inputof the DUT with a first measurement for amplitude at 10 KHz as afunction of the 100 Hz signal at the output of the DUT, and a 100 Hzsignal plus a 20 KHz signal supplied to the input of the DUT with afirst measurement for amplitude at 20 KHz as a function of the 100 Hzsignal at the output of the DUT. The higher frequency signal may beswept, and or the lower frequency signal's amplitude is generally largeror much larger than the higher frequency signal or swept signal.

Measurement of the dynamic frequency response for a device, for example,is useful in measuring stability, phase, and or gain margin of afeedback system in a dynamic manner. For example, there are amplifiersthat show very good stability and phase margin with a signal appliedwithout offset. However, instability or peaking in (a small signal)frequency response may occur when the amplifier is near or below itsmaximum output range (e.g., frequency response of an AC signal when anamplifier is at an offset or temporary offset close to the maximumoutput range.) A lower frequency signal whose amplitude is larger ormuch larger than the higher frequency signal used for (dynamic)frequency response measurement, may be considered as a dynamic biasingsignal.

An alternative method or apparatus to measure dynamic frequency responseis to generate a lower frequency signal such as a stair step signal (orramp signal, such as a nonlinear or linear ramp). For example, two ormore (stair) steps or levels of the lower frequency signal include acombination of the following: two or more test tones (e.g., one or moretones may include a sine, pulse, squarewave, arbitrary waveform of oneor more frequency, where in the two or more test tones are in sequenceand or in partial or whole adding together), one or more pulse waveform(e.g., pulse waveform may include rectangular, Gaussian, sine squared,triangular), squarewave, or higher frequency signal (or may include aswept frequency signal). The lower frequency signal with signals in twoor more levels or steps is coupled to an input of a DUT. The output ofthe DUT is measured for frequency or pulse response (e.g. pulse responsemay include amplitude change, ringing, overshoot, undershoot, tilt, rolloff on one or more corners of the pulse), and or amplitude (and orphase) of the higher frequency signal included for two or more steps orlevels. In some cases a stair step signal may be replaced with anarbitrary signal (e.g., a ramp waveform, sinewave, triangle wave, etc.),and or the higher frequency signal may include a frequency modulated orswept frequency signal.

In one embodiment (of the invention), the output of the DUT is coupledto a filter or modifier to remove or reduce the amplitude of the lowerfrequency signal, while passing substantially the swept or higherfrequency signal (e.g., for frequency response measurement).

In another embodiment (of the invention), the higher frequency signalmay include a modulated signal at two or more steps or levels of thelower frequency signal. A modulated signal may include an amplitudemodulated signal provided in two or more steps or levels of a lowerfrequency signal, which is then coupled to an input of a DUT. An outputof the DUT is measured (or examined) for envelope distortion or forextra sideband (e.g., using a Short Time Fourier Transform or spectrumanalysis), envelope asymmetry, and or phase or frequency modulation ofthe carrier of the amplitude modulated signal on one or more levels orsteps of the lower frequency signal.

For example, a lower frequency signal may include a ramp signal, asinewave, triangle wave, or stair stepped signal. A higher frequencysignal is applied to all or part of the low frequency signal to form atest signal to an input of the DUT. Generally, the lower frequency has agreater amplitude than the higher frequency signal. The output of theDUT is then coupled to a display (e.g., oscilloscope) or amplitudedetector to show or measure the amplitude of one or more cycles of thehigher frequency signal as function of the output range of the DUT.Generally, the frequency of the higher frequency signal is changed orvaried. For example, the lower frequency signal is a triangle wavegenerator or source, and the higher frequency signal is a sine wave toform the test signal into the DUT. The output of the DUT may showgreater amplitude of the higher frequency in one part of the trianglewaveform than another location of the triangle waveform (e.g., thenegative peak of the triangle waveform shows a boost in high frequencyresponse versus in the positive peak portion of the triangle waveform).Increasing, decreasing, or varying the frequency of the higher frequencysignal may then show more clearly differences in frequency response atdifferent portion of the lower frequency waveform (e.g., trianglewaveform), which for example, shows a frequency response in a localizedportion of an output span of the output of the device.

Another embodiment (of the invention) is to provide an amplitudemodulated waveform that is coupled to an input of the DUT and whereinthe output of the DUT is measured for envelope distortion (e.g.,including a partial rectification effect) phase and or frequencymodulation on the carrier of the amplitude modulated signal. Phase andor frequency detectors, or spectrum analysis (system) previouslymentioned may be used for the measurement of phase and or frequencyvariation or modulation of the carrier of the amplitude modulated(carrier) signal at the output of the DUT. For example, (the envelopedistortion of) the amplitude modulated (carrier) signal at the output ofthe DUT is coupled to a (filter and) limiter or AM removal circuit orequivalent (e.g., Sgn(x) function, zero crossing detector, comparator,limiting amplifier), and the output of the limiter is then coupled to aphase and or frequency measurement system such as a phase or frequencydetector or sideband analyzer (or spectrum analysis system) to measurephase or frequency variation on the carrier of a modulated signal. Anamplifier that exhibits slewing or other distortions could be includedat a DUT. Typically the amplitude modulation is less than 100% orequivalently the carrier is modulated such that the carrier is notpinched off (e.g., the amplitude modulated signal includes a (carrierwith) residual carrier).

Alternatively, a second signal, different in frequency of the carrier,may be added to the amplitude modulated signal for a test signal. Thistest signal is then coupled to an input of a DUT, and the output of theDUT is coupled to a modifier or filter to remove/attenuate the secondsignal. The output of the modifier or filter then is coupled to limiteror equivalent amplitude modulation removing function, and the output ofthe limiter or amplitude modulation removing function measured for phaseand or frequency variation of a modulated signal from the output of theDUT.

Yet another embodiment (of the invention) is to couple an amplitudemodulated signal into an input of a device (e.g., audio device), andcouple an output of the device to a spectrum analysis system to measureextra sidebands (e.g., beyond the first set of sidebands near thecarrier of the amplitude modulated signal) to provide measuringdistortion of the amplitude modulated signal from the output of the(audio) device.

In terms of measuring phase and frequency modulation effect(s) from theoutput of a device, the use of modulated sources can be implemented inat least three methods.

As previously stated a modulated higher frequency signal combined with alower frequency signal coupled to the input of a device, causes thedevice to output an induced phase and or frequency modulation effect onthe lower frequency signal.

In another (embodiment of the invention), a modulated lower frequencysignal (AM, PM, and or FM) combined with a higher frequency signal iscoupled to an input of the DUT. The output of the DUT is then measuredfor phase and or frequency modulated effect(s) on the higher frequencysignal.

Yet another embodiment (of the invention) involves providing two (ormore) modulated signals of different frequencies, which are coupled toan input of the device, and wherein the output of the device is measuredfor a phase and or frequency variation (or modulation), induced by oneor the other (or both) modulated signal. For example, both modulatedsignals may start with amplitude modulation into the input of thedevice, the output of the device is then measured for phase and orfrequency modulation of each carrier of the amplitude modulated signalsfrom the output of the device. Later, at least one of the carriersignal(s) may be varied in phase or frequency for measurement of phaseand or frequency variation on the other carrier signal.

Measurement of phase or frequency variation for a signal at the outputof the device may include a modifier and phase or frequency detector, orWow and Flutter meter, or by spectrum (sideband) analysis (system).

In the previously mentioned amplitude modulated signals, the carrier andor modulating source may be static or changing in frequency.

An embodiment (of the invention) includes the use of computation (suchas computing a Fourier Transform). A STFT or DFT (Short Time FourierTransform or Discrete Fourier Transform) or spectrum analysis may beused or computed for analyzing (transient) distortion at a localizedportion of the DUT's transfer function. For example, a DUT may exhibitcrossover or quantizing distortion. With one or more sinusoidal waveform(which may be modulated) added to a dynamic biasing signal (e.g., alower frequency signal than any of the sinusoidal waveforms, wherein thedynamic biasing signal spans at least a portion of the output range ofthe DUT) and coupled to an input of a DUT, harmonic distortion,intermodulation distortion, modulation/envelope distortion, dynamicphase or frequency variation (or modulation), or other forms ofdistortions can be measured, computed, or displayed for a localizedregion of the output range of the (output of the) DUT. In the crossoverdistortion example, distortion measured near or within the crossoverdistortion region (e.g., around zero in some amplifiers) will be higherthan distortion outside the crossover region.

In terms of testing for phase and or frequency modulation effect on aDUT, a testing method or apparatus utilizes multiple frequencies appliedto a device under test for measuring newly discovered frequencymodulation effects. An embodiment may include a lower frequency signalwith a smaller amplitude higher frequency signal to test a dynamicchange in frequency response, gain, frequency, and or phase. Thisdynamic test can reveal frequency modulation effects. Another embodimentmay include the use of a multiple frequency signal to dynamically inducea time varying phase or frequency distortion for the device that hasdifferential phase distortion. The device's output is then measured forFM or PM effects. For example, measuring is done with an FM or phasedetector or computational analysis to measure shift in one of thefrequencies used in the test signal or to measure frequency modulationeffects of any signals, including distortion products, from the device(or system). Yet another embodiment of the invention may include biasinga device with a voltage to span the output voltage range of the devicewhile measuring harmonic or intermodulation distortion or phase orfrequency response at the various operating points.

Also as stated previously (or stated afterwards), any modulated signalmay include finite, negligible, and or zero modulation.

In testing for harmonic or intermodulation distortion of a multiplechannel system such as two or more channels, often testing is done witha single channel or two or more channels driven simultaneously with asignal of the same frequency. However, because often the multiplechannel system shares a common power supply, other types of distortionsare hidden when the same frequency signals are applied to both ormultiple channels. Therefore yet another embodiment of the invention isto provide a first channel of first signal (e.g., of a first frequency)and a second channel of second signal (e.g., of a second frequency),wherein the first and second signals are substantially not the same. Forexample, a first signal may be modulated whereas the second signal ismodulated, or a first signal has frequency of Fx, and the second signalhas a frequency of Fy, where Fx is not equal to Fy. In another example,a first signal may include a signal including one or more frequencies,and a second signal may include a signal include one or morefrequencies, wherein at least one frequency is different, dissimilar, ornot equal in the first and second signals.

An (example) embodiment would include coupling dissimilar signals to theinputs at two or more channels of the system (e.g., amplifier,processor, etc.) and measuring for distortion (harmonic,intermodulation, phase modulation, and or frequency modulation)effect(s) caused by the signal of the other channel. For example, a lowfrequency (F_low) signal may be applied to the input of Channel A for anoutput voltage or power level on Channel A of a multiple channel (e.g.,stereo) amplifier. And, a differential phase or frequency modulationtest signal (e.g., signals of FL and FH, see any of the FIGS. 7A-9B) maybe coupled to the other channel such as Channel B. The output of ChannelB will exhibit phase and or frequency modulation effect as a function offrequency FL (or a modulated (e.g., amplitude modulation) signalfrequency for “carrier” frequency FH) that is (further) varied ormodulated by the Channel A signal related to frequency F_low. In arelated example or embodiment, power supply ripple, and or power supplyvoltage variation caused by any combination of ripple and or loadingeffect on the power supply by one or more channels of a system, caninduce one or more (extra) phase or frequency modulation effects on thechannel that is coupled to the differential phase or frequencymodulation test signal.

Similarly, intermodulation and or harmonic distortion measured on onechannel may have modulated intermodulation and or harmonic distortionproduct(s) that is induced by another channel or by power supply ripple.For example, power supply rejection on a system in feedback systemsgenerally is proportional to the amount of feedback and open loop gain.The higher the open loop gain with feedback the greater the power supplyrejection that occurs, and less voltage variation from the power supplyis coupled to the output of the feedback system. However, some systemsinclude circuits or functions that include crossover distortion, whichcauses a significant drop in open loop gain for the feedback system. Soat or near the crossover distortion region, the power supply rejectionis much poorer when compared to power supply rejection outside thecrossover distortion region(s). Thus, distortion components near or atthe crossover region are generally high in amplitude, which can befurther varied in phase and or amplitude induced by power supply voltagevariation. Again, power supply voltage variation is caused by any of thechannels having a loading effect on the power supply and or power supplyripple. A varying voltage in the power supply for the system oramplifier generally induces at least a small amount in gain variation inone or more stages of the system or amplifier. This gain variationinduces a change in distortion (amplitude and or phase) at the system'soutput and a change in phase or amplitude for one or more signals at theoutput of the (feedback) system.

Thus, an embodiment (of the invention) includes a method for testing fordistortion in a multiple channel system or amplifier. This includescoupling a first signal to a first channel of the system or amplifier,and coupling a second signal to a second channel of the system oramplifier. Wherein the first signal is different from the second signal,and wherein harmonic, intermodulation, (differential) phase modulation,frequency modulation, and or differential gain effect or distortion ismeasured from the first channel includes an induced effect (e.g.,modulation) of one or more signals or frequencies from the secondchannel is included.

The system may include crossover distortion or a crossover distortionregion. A signal from the output of the system that is located near orin a portion of the crossover distortion region may be affected in thefollowing manner. A variation in the power supply, or a voltagevariation of the power supply induced by one or more channels operatinginduces/provides a variation of harmonic distortion, intermodulationdistortion, phase modulation, frequency modulation, and or differentialgain distortion in or near the crossover distortion region.

Differential gain (as an embodiment of the invention) may be measured byproviding a low frequency signal and higher frequency signal coupled toan input of a system (e.g., audio system). Wherein the higher frequencysignal is measured in amplitude over a span of output range of thesystem (e.g., the low frequency signal is modified or removed orattenuated at the output of the system) or measured as a function overtime. For example, a higher frequency signal may be above the knownhigher frequencies, 6000 Hz or 7000 Hz, used in SMPTE IM test (twosinusoidal waveforms, a low frequency signal at 60 Hz or 70 Hz, and ahigher frequency signal at 6000 Hz or 7000 Hz), or standardintermodulation distortion test signals. In particular, a higherfrequency signal set>7000 Hz (e.g., 10 KHz to 20 KHz) with a lowerfrequency signal (for audio systems) is suitable for revealing moretypes of distortions in a system.

As an example, a lower frequency signal may include a signal above 400Hz or a signal whose frequency is less than 7000 Hz. Typically, thelower frequency signal includes a linear portion such as a waveform of aramp, triangle wave, stair step, stepped, and or sawtooth waveform. Thelower frequency waveform (e.g., of any frequency) may include a sinusoidwaveform, non-sinusoid waveform, ramp waveform, stepped waveform, and oran arbitrary waveform.

In terms of an improvement in the current SMPTE IM testing methods, anembodiment of the invention may include providing >7000 Hz as the higherfrequency signal plus a lower frequency signal to measureintermodulation distortion. For example, a higher frequency signal in arange of 10 KHz to 20 KHz provides improved measurement forintermodulation distortion for a system or amplifier. The lowerfrequency signal may be a signal whose frequency is equal or less than7000 Hz. In the SMPTE IM test, the lower frequency signal has been 60 Hzor 70 Hz. And in another SMPTE IM test, the lower frequency is 400 Hz(with 4000 Hz for the higher frequency signal). An embodiment of theinvention can include a lower frequency of greater than 60 Hz, 70 Hz, or400 Hz. For example, the inventor had observed that phase modulation insome systems actually increase (or in another system, the phasemodulation decreases) with raising the lower frequency signal, whichimplies intermodulation distortion around the higher frequency signalwould increase (or decrease) if the lower frequency signal is raised infrequency.

Alternatively, as an embodiment (of the invention), differential gainmay be measured by: providing a low to mid frequency signal and amodulated (e.g., amplitude, phase, and or frequency modulation) signal.The modulated signal typically has a carrier frequency that is higherthan the low to mid frequency signal to an input of a system (e.g., anaudio or RF system). And wherein the modulation frequency is typicallylower than the frequency of the low to mid frequency signal. Theamplitude of the low to mid frequency signal is measured (e.g., overtime) via an output of the system.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is to measures one or moredistortion effect using a modulated carrier waveform (e.g., differentialphase and or frequency modulation distortion. The modulated waveform iscoupled to an input of a system (e.g., audio system, amplifier, and orprocessor). The output of the system is measured for distortion products(e.g., harmonic and or intermodulation), extra sideband distortionproduct(s), (extra) phase modulation of the carrier, and or (extra)frequency modulation of the carrier. For example, an amplitude modulatedsignal is coupled to an input of a system. The output of the system isanalyzed/measured for one or more extra sidebands related to the carrierof the amplitude modulated signal. The output of the system (DUT) may beanalyzed/measured for distortion products including intermodulation,harmonic, differential phase, frequency modulation, and or signal(s)whose frequency is related to the modulation frequency or harmonic(s) ofthe modulation frequency. The output of the system may beanalyzed/measured for phase and or frequency modulation of one or moreof the following: The carrier of the modulated signal, any distortionproducts at the output of the system, signal(s) related to themodulation frequency or harmonic(s) of the modulation frequency. Phaseand or frequency modulation measurement technique(s) may include any ofthe previously mentioned methods such as using in any combination: aphase detector, amplitude modulation removal/reducing circuit, limiter,filter, modifier, synchronous detection, frequencydetector/discriminator, phase lock loop circuit, Sgn(x) or Sgn(t)function, and or spectrum analysis.

For example, an amplitude modulated signal or an AM signal (e.g.,wherein the modulation percentage is <100%, leaving a residual carrier,or wherein the modulation percentage equal or greater than 100%) iscoupled to an input of an audio system or amplifier. The output of theaudio system or amplifier is coupled to a phase detector and orfrequency to voltage converter (or frequency detector) to measure aphase and or a frequency modulation effect of the carrier. The output ofthe phase or frequency detector provides a signal indicative of a phaseor frequency modulation effect (e.g., of the carrier) from the output ofthe audio system or amplifier. It should be noted that spectrum analysismay be used to measure phase and or frequency modulation. It wasobserved experimentally that a phase and or a frequency modulationeffect (e.g., of the carrier of the AM signal) does indeed exist in anaudio amplifier when an AM signal is used as a test signal (AKA Quaneffect #4). This AM test signal allows measuring (unwanted) phase and orfrequency variation of the AM (test) signal. Real world signals such asmusical notes or phrases are raised in level or lowered in level (e.g.amplitude modulated) wherein when music is amplified (via a DUT), phaseand or frequency modulation can occur in the musical notes or phrases.

A second signal may be combined with the AM signal, which is thencoupled to a system or amplifier. At the output of the system oramplifier, one or more distortion product such as harmonic,intermodulation, and or cross modulation is measured. Generally, crossmodulation distortion is tested in RF systems, but is reapplied to audiosystems because of the changing in loudness of one part of music whileanother part of the music is not changing in loudness (e.g., in the samemanner). The second signal may be a static amplitude signal, which atthe output of the system or amplifier, cross modulation is measured.Cross modulation distortion in a (static or constant amplitude) signalis related to the amount of amplitude modulation induced by an AM signalto a static amplitude signal. The output of the system may be measuredfor phase and or frequency modulation on the AM signal, the secondsignal (e.g., an originally static amplitude signal), and or anydistortion signal (e.g., one or more frequency translated version of theAM signal, harmonic and or intermodulation distortion signal related tothe AM signal and the second signal).

Another embodiment (of the invention) may include two or more modulatedsignals coupled to an input of a system or amplifier. The output of thesystem or amplifier may be measured for harmonic distortion,intermodulation distortion, cross modulation distortion (e.g., onto eachother modulated signal), phase variation on any signal (via the outputof the system or amplifier), and or frequency variation on any signal(via the output of the system or amplifier). For an example of modulatedsignals, two or more AM signals may be applied or coupled to an input ofa system or amplifier. Any modulated signal may be amplitude, frequency,phase, and or pulse modulated (e.g., in time succession and or in asimultaneous manner). The amount of modulation may be zero and or finite(e.g., on any of the two or more modulated signals coupled to the inputof the system or amplifier).

It should be noted that a low frequency signal, or a modulating signal(e.g., for modulating any carrier signal), may include one or more (or aplurality) of the following: a sinusoidal waveform, a ramp signal, asawtooth signal, a triangle waveform, a step or staircase waveform, andor an arbitrary signal.

Another embodiment (of the invention) includes a sampled or gated phasedetector in FIG. 23, block 28″, to measure induced phase modulation froma DUT. To avoid tracking the phase modulation from the output of the DUTto the VCO System 139′ by use of a continuous phase detection circuit, asampled or gated or sample and hold type phase detector may instead beused. The sampling or gating signal may be derived from the lowerfrequency signal that is coupled to the input of the DUT. Or thesampling or gating signal is provided by filtering/modifying the outputof the DUT to pass the lower frequency signal. A sampling, gating, ortiming signal is then provided or derived for the gated or sampled phasedetector circuit. For example, the PDO signal may be coupled via asampling or gating circuit to Vco in of 139′. Sampling or gating the Vcoavoids tracking the induced phase modulation shifts from the DUT.

Thus, an embodiment (for example see FIG. 23) includes providing two ormore signals coupled into an input to a DUT, and further comprisescoupling an output of the DUT to a modifier. The modifier passes asignal of a selected frequency or frequency band that is coupled to aphase lock loop circuit. The phase lock loop circuit includes a voltagecontrolled oscillator that is coupled to a sampled or gated signal froma first phase detector output signal (e.g., this sampled or gated signalis an added characteristic of 28″ or a sampling or gating circuit isinserted or added between the output of 28″ and input of VCO 139′). Thefirst phase detector outputs (via a filter) a signal to provide a signalindicative of induced phase modulation from the DUT. Should the firstphase detector in the phase lock loop circuit include a gated output orinput circuitry, then a second phase detector is included. A first inputof the second phase detector is coupled to the output of the Vco and asecond input of the second phase detector is coupled to the output ofthe modifier (e.g., block 26). The output (e.g., via a filter) of thesecond phase detector provides a signal indicative of the induced phasemodulation from the DUT.

An alternative to a phase lock loop circuit, to provide a substantiallystable phase signal source to measure induced phase modulation (e.g.,differential phase) from the DUT, includes coupling a narrow band filterto the output of the DUT to “flywheel” or average out the induced phasemodulation. For example, a crystal or crystal filter may be coupled tothe output of the DUT to provide a stable phase signal that issubstantially the average phase of the induced phase modulation signal.Frequency translation (via multiplier and or mixing circuit) can be usedto mix or move up and or down in frequency the induced phase modulatedsignal, and is supplied to an input of a (narrow band) filter. Theoutput of the filter is coupled to a frequency translation circuit andor a phase detector (with filtering) to provide a signal that isindicative of the phase modulation from the DUT.

A crash lock or triggered oscillator (which may include a gated inputfrom the modifier's (26) output) may be coupled to the output of themodifying circuit 26 to provide a stable phase signal much like a phaselock loop circuit. The output of the crash lock or trigger oscillatorprovides a signal to one input of a phase detector, and a second inputof the phase detector is coupled to the output of modifier 26. Theoutput of the phase detector (with filtering) then provides a signalindicative of the induced phase modulation from the DUT.

In some cases where the DUT generates distortion from a lower frequencysignal into the spectrum of a higher frequency signal. The modifier suchas block 26 may (then) include one or more filters, to remove/attenuatesignal at or near the frequency around the lower frequency signal and oraround the lower frequency signal's distortion product(s) as to providea more accurate measurement of phase and or frequency modulation effecton the higher frequency signal. Preferably, the lower frequency signalmay be chosen so that its harmonic (or distortion product(s)) does notfall too closely to the sidebands or carrier of the higher frequencysignal so that filtering may be done to separate/attenuate adequatelyone or more distortion products from overlapping into the (phase orfrequency modulation) spectrum of the higher frequency signal (e.g., asto improve accuracy of the phase and or frequency modulation measurementof the higher frequency signal). For example, a comb bandpass and orcomb notch filter may be used.

Similarly, if a higher frequency signal has distortion product(s) thatbleeds or overlaps into the spectrum of a lower frequency signal'sspectrum, filtering for modifier (e.g., block 26), as mentionedpreviously may be used to improve accuracy of the phase and or frequencymodulation measurement (e.g., for the lower frequency signal).

It should be noted or reiterated that an embodiment may comprise asubset or portion of FIG. 3, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG.14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG. 17, FIG. 19, FIG. 20, FIG. 21, FIG. 22, andor FIG. 23. For example, an embodiment of a novel and unique Wow and/orFlutter meter may or may not include a modifier such as exemplified byblock(s) 26, 26A, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, and or 36 (and Wow and FlutterMeter 27), wherein the embodiment measures induced Wow and or Flutterfrom a device under test (DUT). The (input of the) device or DUT iscoupled to a signal source comprising at least two signals; for example,a first signal and a second signal, and or an Nth signal; a first,second, and or Nth signal including a modulated or unmodulated signal;or a signal source comprising at least one modulated signal. A modifiermay (substantially) pass a band of frequencies pertaining to thefrequency of a first signal or a second signal or an Nth signal.Typically, the frequency of the first signal is not equal to thefrequency of the second signal. Or typically, the signal source includessignals of two or more different frequencies, e.g., wherein (typically)the spectrum analysis of the signal source, for example, that is coupledto an input of the DUT, includes two or more different frequencies(e.g., via a first, second, and or Nth signal, or via a modulatedsignal). Such a novel Wow and/or Flutter meter may include amodule/function/generator/signal source to provide at least two signalssuch as the first, second, or Nth signal (e.g., two or more signals andor a modulated signal that is coupled to a DUT).

Alternatively, a modifier may (substantially) pass a band of frequenciespertaining to one or more distortion products from any combination ofthe one or more signals coupled to the input of the device (DUT), or amodifier may (substantially) pass a band of frequencies pertaining toany distortion signal from an output of the device. For example, amodifier may pass frequencies around any harmonic distortion productfrom the output of a device, wherein frequency (and or phase) modulationor deviation or Wow and or Flutter is measured at one or more harmonicdistortion product(s) from the DUT. Similarly, a modifier may pass oneor more intermodulation distortion product(s) from the DUT formeasurement of frequency modulation or deviation or Wow and or Flutter.

An example of two signals may include a first signal of a firstfrequency and a second signal of a second frequency, wherein the firstsignal may be unmodulated or modulated, and or the second signal may beunmodulated or modulated. In general, N number of signals coupled to aninput of a DUT includes a first signal of a first frequency, and/or asecond signal of a second frequency, and/or an Nth signal of an Nthfrequency. A modulated signal may comprise a signal that is modulated(e.g., changed) in amplitude, phase, pulse-width, position, and orfrequency.

An embodiment of a novel and unique Wow and or Flutter meter comprises alimiter (circuit, function, or module) for reducing or removingamplitude variations from an output of a DUT which is coupled to aninput of the Wow and or Flutter meter, wherein an amplitude modulatedsignal is coupled to an input of the DUT. The Wow and or Flutter meter(with the limiter circuit/function/module) measures frequency modulationof the carrier of the amplitude modulated signal output from the DUT.The amplitude modulated signal may have a carrier frequency within theaudio bandwidth such as any (carrier) frequency in the range of 1 Hz to20,000 Hz, or a (carrier) frequency greater than or equal to 20,000 Hz.In this example embodiment, a novel and unique Wow and Flutter meter, orfrequency modulation measurement system, may include a generator,function, circuit, and or module for providing one or more amplitudemodulated signal(s) (e.g., that is typically coupled to an input of aDUT). It should be noted that a standard Wow and Flutter meter is usedin a novel way when an amplitude modulated signal (instead of a singleunmodulated tone) is utilized to measure Wow and Flutter output from aDUT.

An embodiment may include a new use of a conventional Wow and Fluttermeter to measure induced Wow and Flutter from a device's outputterminal, wherein an input of the device is coupled to two or moresignals or a modulated signal (e.g., two or more signals simultaneouslycoupled to an input of the DUT, or a modulated signal coupled to aninput of the DUT). It is noted that a conventional Wow and Flutter metercouples only one signal, a single tone, to a device for measuring Wowand Flutter.

The term “Wow and/or Flutter meter” may comprise or may equate to afrequency modulation measurement system, a frequency deviationmeasurement system, or the like. It should be noted that measuring forWow and or Flutter, or frequency deviation, or frequency modulation mayinclude any combination of a frequency modulation detector (e.g., for adirect measurement), a frequency spectrum analysis such as sidebandanalysis, and or a phase detector. For example, for an indirectmeasurement, an output of the phase detector is coupled to an input of adifferentiator/derivative function/circuit/module, wherein an output ofthe differentiator/derivative function/circuit/module provides ameasurement for frequency deviation or frequency modulation).

For example, FIG. 20 may include an amplitude modulated signal (viamodulator block 131′ and summer block 24) that is coupled to an input ofthe DUT 25, with Signal Gen2 set to zero or near zero. The output of theDUT 25 is coupled to an input of an FM detector, spectrum analysisfunction, a phase detector, and or a Wow and/or Flutter meter (e.g,block 27′ and or block 28′) to provide measurement of Wow and/orFlutter, phase modulation, and or frequency modulation in the signalfrom the DUT. Because Signal Gen2 is set to zero or near zero, whichdoes not provide an “interfering” signal to phase or frequencydetectors, modifier 26 may be bypassed in this example, so modifier 26is optional. Modifier 26 may include a filter to pass a band offrequencies related to the fundamental carrier frequency and or toharmonics of the carrier frequency, so that phase and or frequencymodulation effect(s) in a signal from the DUT is measured at thefundamental carrier frequency and or one or more harmonics of thecarrier frequency.

For example, a signal with a carrier set at 6 KHz is amplitude modulated(e.g., where modulation frequency includes 150 Hz) and is coupled to aninput of a DUT. An output of the DUT may provide an amplitude modulatedsignal around 6 KHz and or harmonics of the amplitude modulated signalof the 6 KHz carrier, such as one or more amplitude modulated signalcentered around 12 KHz, 18 KHz, and or 24 KHz. A modifier 26 can provideband pass filtering to allow a Wow and/or Flutter meter, phase detector,and or frequency modulation detector (which may include spectrumanalysis of sidebands) to measure for the DUT's respective distortionsof Wow and/or Flutter, differential phase, and or frequency modulationeffect (e.g., frequency shift) at 6 KHz, 12 KHz, 18 KHz, and or 24 KHz.Other carrier, modulation, and or test frequencies may be used for thisexample.

In another embodiment, Signal Gen2 is enabled and produces a signal thatis combined with a modulated signal that is coupled to an input of aDUT. An output of the DUT is coupled to a Wow and/or Flutter meter,phase detector, frequency modulation detector, and or spectrum analysisfunction, for measurement of differential phase and or frequencymodulation from the DUT of one or more signals. The signals may includean intermodulation distortion signal, harmonic distortion signal, and ora fundamental frequency signal of any of the input signals.

As noted previously, an input of a device under test may be coupled to amodulated signal source for measuring one or more phase and or frequencymodulation effect from the output of the device under test. For example,a phase or frequency modulated signal, s(t), may include a carriersignal f(t) that is phase or frequency modulated by a signal mpf(t). Thephase or frequency modulated signal, s(t), may then be coupled to aninput of a DUT, wherein an output of the DUT is coupled (via an optionalmodifier) to a first input of a phase detector. A second input of aphase detector is coupled to the phase or frequency modulated signal,s(t). An output of the phase detector is coupled to a filter to providea signal that is indicative of phase modulation from the DUT. It shouldbe noted that if the DUT is bypassed, both inputs of the phase detectorreceive essentially the same signal from s(t), and even though s(t)includes phase or frequency modulation of its carrier, the resultingdifferential phase would be cancelled out or close to zero. Therefore,with the DUT between one input of the phase detector and s(t),measurement of differential phase from an output of the DUT is measured,wherein the modulating signal, mpf(t) causes the DUT to exhibit (extra)phase modulation. The output of the phase detector may be coupled to adifferentiator circuit or function (e.g., a high pass filter) to providea signal from an output of the differentiator circuit or function thatis indicative of frequency modulation (effect(s)). It should be notedthat the phase and or frequency modulated signal s(t) may includeamplitude modulation that is amplitude modulated by signal m2am(t). Themodulating signals mpf(t) and m2am(t) may be related in phase and orfrequency, or may be (two) independent signals. For example, a phase,frequency, and or amplitude modulated signal, spfa(t), may be used inplace of s(t) for testing the DUT (e.g., wherein signal mpf(t) providesphase and or frequency modulation and or signal m2am(t) providesamplitude modulation for signal spfa(t)).

In another embodiment, a test signal such as s(t) may include a signalthat is amplitude, frequency, and or phase modulated, wherein the testsignal is coupled to an input of a DUT, and wherein an output of the DUTis measured for differential phase distortion. For example, an output ofthe DUT is coupled to a first input of a phase detector, and a secondinput of the phase detector is coupled to the test signal (e.g., via alimiter circuit or function should the signal s(t) include amplitudemodulation). An output of the phase is filtered to provide a signalindicative of any phase modulation or differential phase distortion fromthe DUT.

An example of a device under test (DUT) may include any combination of:an amplifier of class A, B, AB, C, D, G, and or H, wherein the amplifiermay include a modulated or unmodulated power supply, a system thatconverts an analog signal to a digital signal, and or a system thatconverts a digital signal to an analog signal, and or a digital signalprocessor with data compression (e.g., using Discrete Cosine Transforms,Wavelet Transforms, filter banks, Discrete Fourier Transforms, and orFourier Transforms).

A device under test (DUT) may include an audio device.

In particular, a class G or class H amplifier includes a modulated powersupply that may switch from one voltage or another in a discrete manner,or a modulated power supply that varies or tracks the input signal. Ineither class G or H amplifiers, the voltage modulation from the powersupply may induce a dynamic phase and or frequency effect at an outputof the class G or H amplifier. A class D switch amplifier that normallyincludes a high frequency pulse width modulated waveform to deliver asignal to its output load, may exhibit differential phase or frequencymodulation distortion. Class AB, B or C amplifiers include crossoverdistortion, which can exhibit a phase or frequency modulation distortiongreater at a crossover region than elsewhere in the transfer function ofthe class B or C amplifier. In some class A amplifiers, maximum andminimum gain or output impedance occurs at extremes of the outputsignal's range (e.g., output voltage or current swing), which leads tophase and or frequency modulation distortion. Thus, an embodiment is totest any class of amplifiers for differential phase and or frequencymodulation distortion.

Another embodiment may include frequency and or time scaling (at least aportion) of video signals, such as color bars, a modulated ramp orstairstep, a multipulse, multiburst, modulated (sine squared) pulse suchas 20 T or 12.5 T, an amplitude modulated signal superimposed on avoltage level, etc., to audio frequencies. For example, a video signalmay be scaled (e.g., increased) in time by about 200 times (or in arange of 20 to 2000 times) to provide a test signal to an input of aDUT.

An embodiment may include quadrature phase detectors (e.g., I and Qdemodulators) to display or decode a phase modulated signal added to astepped waveform (of equal or non equal step size) to provide avectorscope display (e.g., display of a signal in terms of a magnitudeand an angle, or display of a signal in polar coordinates). For example,an audio bandwidth color bar signal is coupled to an input of a DUT,wherein an output of the DUT is coupled to a vectorscope to displayphase or amplitude shifts from the DUT.

An embodiment may include a test signal, that includes a first signalthat is multiplied or amplitude modulated by a second signal, plus athird signal. This test signal for example, is coupled to an input of aDUT, wherein an output of the DUT is coupled to a phase detector, afrequency modulation detector or a spectrum analysis measurement system,to measure phase and or frequency modulation distortion from the DUT.The third signal may be derived from the first and or second signal.

For example, a test signal may have a first signal that includes asinusoid waveform of a low frequency and second signal that includes asinusoidal waveform of a high frequency, wherein the third signal (e.g.,a sinusoidal waveform or an arbitrary waveform such as any combinationof a modulated signal, a continuous wave signal, and or a pulsed signal)is derived from the first signal.

Another example of a test signal comprising three or more signals formeasuring differential phase and or frequency modulation distortion.

For example, one test signal includes two high frequency signals, afirst high frequency signal of frequency FH1 and a second high frequencysignal of frequency FH2 combined with a lower frequency signal offrequency FL1. These three signals are coupled to an input of an audiodevice and an output of the audio device is coupled to a modifier toremove or attenuate from the output of the audio device, high frequencysignals related to frequencies FH1 and or FH2, while passing a signal of(e.g., at least) frequency FL1 to a phase and or frequency detector formeasuring differential phase and frequency modulation distortion inducedby the first and or second high frequency signal. The phase and orfrequency modulation effect from the amplifier may include a frequencyrelated to |FH1−FH2|. In one embodiment, the for example, first andsecond high frequency signals have frequencies above (e.g., about) 3 KHzto (e.g., about) 10 KHz; for another example, the CCIF Twin Tone testsignal comprising a 19 KHz (FH1) signal and a 20 KHz (FH2) signal (ofcourse other frequencies for FH1 and FH2 may be used) may be utilizedfor the first and second high frequency signals. The low frequencysignal may include a signal whose frequency is less than the lower ofFH1 or FH2. For example, the lower frequency signal has a frequencyFL1<19 KHz. For example only, the lower frequency signal includes asignal whose frequency is <=10 KHz such as 3 KHz to 10 KHz. When thethree signals are coupled to an input of an amplifier, the “beating”effect of the two high frequency signals with frequencies FH1 and FH2will induce phase and or frequency modulation of the signal withfrequency FL1 a modulation frequency related to |FH1−FH2|, or if FH1=19KHz and FH2=20 KHz, then |FH1−FH2|=1 KHz=a related modulation frequencyonto the signal whose frequency is FL1. Therefore in this example, aCCIF Twin Tone test signal is combined with a lower frequency signal andfed to an audio device to determine or measure the differential phaseand or frequency modulation distortion of the lower frequency signalwhose frequency is FH1 from an output of the audio device.

Note that a frequency detector may include a Wow and Flutter meter.

An embodiment may include: A system for measuring an induced phase orfrequency modulation effect of a device, wherein the device has an inputand an output, comprising: a generator for providing a first higherfrequency signal, a second higher frequency signal, and a first lowerfrequency signal for coupling to the input of the device, wherein theoutput of the device is coupled to an input of a modifier, furthercomprising the output of the modifier passes signals related to thelower frequency signal while attenuating signals related to the firstand or second higher frequency signals to a phase and or frequencydetector for measuring differential phase, phase modulation and orfrequency modulation related to one or more signals related to the lowerfrequency signal from the output of the device, and wherein the phase orfrequency modulation effect on the lower frequency signal from theoutput of the device is caused or induced by one or both of the higherfrequency signals coupled to the input of the device.

A variation of a test signal for measuring differential phase and orfrequency modulation distortion may include two (or more) lowerfrequency signals with frequencies FL1A and FL1B and a higher frequencysignal with frequency FH1A. These three signals are coupled to an inputof an amplifier and an output of the amplifier is coupled to modifier toremove or attenuate signals related to FL1A and or FL1B. The output ofthe modifier passes a signal related to FH1A to a phase and or frequencydetector to determine or measure differential phase and or frequencymodulation distortion of a signal related to FH1A from the amplifier'soutput induced by any combination of the two lower frequency signals.

Another embodiment includes a test signal for determining differentialphase and or frequency modulation distortion includes a first signalcombined with a second signal. The first signal (e.g., when decomposedvia Fourier or spectral analysis) includes a fundamental frequencysignal and at least one harmonic of the first signal. The second signalhas a frequency that is higher than the fundamental frequency of thefirst signal. An audio device (or DUT) is coupled to the first andsecond signals will then produce differential phase and or frequencymodulation induced by the second signal. It was found that phase andfrequency modulation effect can be varied by the varying the amplitudeof the second signal, and generally, the higher the amplitude of thesecond signal, the higher the deviation in phase and frequency ofsignal(s) related to the first signal. Therefore, one other embodimentincludes modulation of the second signal by for example amplitude,phase, frequency, and or pulse modulation. To measure differential phaseand or frequency modulation of the audio device, an output of the audiodevice is coupled to an input of a modifier such that an output of themodifier passes a band of frequencies related or near the fundamentalfrequency and or a harmonic frequency of the first signal. The output ofthe modifier is then coupled to a phase detector and or frequencymodulation detector for measuring differential phase and or frequencymodulation at one or more frequencies related to the first signal. Thedifferential phase and or frequency modulation distortion includesdistortion induced by the second signal at the input of the audio deviceand or at the output of the audio device. One or more of the figures andor descriptions (e.g., any combination of FIGS. 3 to 23) involvingmodifiers, receivers, tuners, filters, frequency translators or mixers,limiters, phase detectors, and or frequency detectors previouslymentioned may be utilized for measuring phase or differential phase andor frequency modulation with the test signal including the first signaland the second signal. For example, one or more phase and or frequencydetectors may be utilized to provide measurement the phase and frequencymodulation effect from an audio device at the fundamental frequency andor one or more harmonics of the first signal, or for measuringdifferential phase and or frequency modulation distortion related to thesecond signal. Therefore, an embodiment may include that differentialphase and or frequency modulation distortion may be measured for one ormore signals related to the (e.g., frequency of) first and or secondsignal from an output of the audio device. The one or more signalsrelated to the first and or second signal may include one or moredistortion product(s) from the first and or second signal (e.g., whereinthe audio device provides one or more distortion products at itsoutput).

The first signal that is coupled to the input of the audio device may(or may not) include filtering such as low pass, high pass, band reject,and or band pass to for example shape the frequency response of thefirst signal. For example, the first signal that is coupled to the audiodevice may include a low pass filter to attenuate harmonics of the firstsignal and or a band reject filter to attenuate or remove one or moreharmonics from the first signal prior to coupling into the input of theaudio device. Any previous, present, and subsequent descriptions of thefirst signal may (or may) not include filtering as described in thisparagraph. It should be noted that any previous, present, and subsequentdescriptions of the second signal may (or may not) include an arbitrarywaveform, a pulsed waveform, and or a modulated waveform, where themodulated waveform may include any combination of phase, frequency,pulse, and or amplitude modulation.

Yet another test signal for determining differential phase and orfrequency modulation distortion(s) is to utilize a pulsed waveform andsine wave signal. The sine wave induces differential phase and orfrequency modulation distortion onto the pulsed waveform or at afrequency or band around the fundamental frequency of the pulsedwaveform, and or a harmonic signal of the pulsed waveform. The pulsewaveform and sine wave signal is coupled to an audio device. The outputof the audio device is coupled to an input of a modifier (e.g., amodifier may include one or more filters). The modifier's outputterminal passes a band of frequencies to a phase detector and orfrequency detector for determining differential phase and or frequencymodulation distortions from the audio device (e.g. audio amplifier oraudio amplifier within a device). The differential phase and orfrequency modulation distortion may be measured for signals related tothe (e.g., frequency of) first and or second signal from an output ofthe audio device. Also, note that a phase or frequency detector mayinclude a limiter circuit or limiter function to limit the modifiedsignal from the modifier.

One example of a test signal that comprises of a pulsed signal as afirst signal combined with a second signal. A pulsed waveform that mayinclude a squarewave signal (e.g., first signal) combined with a sinewave or arbitrary signal. For example, in the Audio Engineering Societypaper, “A Method for Measuring Transient Intermodulation Distortion(TIM)”, by Eero Leinonen, Matti Otala, and John Curl, Journal of theAudio Engineering Society, Oct. 30, 1976, shows a transientintermodulation distortion (TIM) test waveform comprised of a 3.18 KHzsquarewave and a 15 KHz sine wave. This TIM test waveform is utilized tomeasure the amplitudes of intermodulation distortions of an amplifier.However, this Audio Engineering Society (AES) paper from Oct. 30, 1976does not teach nor mention using this TIM test signal for measuringdifferential phase and or frequency modulation distortions. New use ofthis TIM waveform can be utilized for measuring differential phase andor frequency modulation distortion of one or more signals related to apulsed waveform or a squarewave or the sine wave or arbitrary signal.For example the TIM test signal may or may not include a filteredsquarewave that is combined with the second signal. In the AES papermentioned the squarewave signal is low pass filtered (e.g., low passfiltered at 30 KHz or 100 KHz) and then combined with a 15 KHz sine wavesignal to provide the TIM test signal. An embodiment includes a testsignal for measuring differential phase and or frequency modulationdistortion is comprised of the TIM test signal as described in thisparagraph. Another embodiment includes coupling the TIM test signal intoan input of an audio device. An output of the audio device outputs asignal including a squarewave or filtered squarewave or a squarewavewith modified rise and or fall times, plus a sine wave signal. Theoutput of the audio device is coupled to a modifier to remove orattenuate signals related to the sine wave signal and or to remove orattenuate one or more signals related to the squarewave signal. Theoutput of the modifier is coupled to a phase and or frequency modulationdetector to measure differential phase and or frequency modulation of asignal related to the squarewave signal from the output of the audiodevice.

For example, an embodiment may comprise a 3.18 KHz squarewave signal anda 15 KHz signal (e.g., the squarewave or pulsed signal and or sine wavemay be of another frequency) for the TIM test signal to measuredifferential phase and or frequency modulation distortion at 3.18 KHz,3×3.18 KHz, 5×3.18 KHz, N×3.18 KHz and or 15 KHz, where N=an integer(e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and or so on). The (e.g., unexpected)phase and modulation frequency for this example is found to be [5×3.18KHz−15 KHz]=[15.90 KHz−15 KHz]=900 Hz. Other frequencies may beutilized. For example the pulsed waveform frequency set at 3 KHz, andthe sine wave frequency set at 14.15 KHz, which yields a (e.g.,unexpected) phase and frequency modulating frequency of [5×15 KHz−14.15KHz]=850 Hz. An apparatus or method to measure the differential phaseand or frequency modulation of an audio device comprises of coupling theTIM test signal to an input the audio device, coupling an output of theaudio device to a modifier to remove or attenuate one or more signals orto a modifier to pass one or more bands of frequencies related to thepulse waveform frequency (e.g., 3.18 KHz or N×3.18 KHz or 3 KHz or N×3KHz) to one or more phase detectors and or to one or more frequencydetectors that convert(s) the differential phase and or frequencydeviation into a current or voltage signal. For example, a filter ornulling or cancellation circuit may be used to remove sine wave signal(e.g., at 15 KHz or 14.15 KHz) from the output of the amplifier prior tocoupling to a phase and or frequency detector to measure thedifferential phase at N×3.18 KHz or N×3 KHz, where N=an integer. Thefilter may include any combination of low pass, high pass, band pass,and or band reject filter. For example, a low pass filter may be coupledto the output of the amplifier to attenuate signals above thefundamental frequency of the squarewave while still pass at least onesideband above the squarewave's fundamental frequency. The sideband(s)around the fundamental frequency and or harmonics of the first signalwill be typically distanced or away from the fundamental frequency orharmonics of the first signal by Mx[modulating frequency], whereM=integer, or a multiple (e.g., 1, 2, 3, . . . etc.) of the phase and orfrequency modulation frequency such as [5×3.18 KHz−15 KHz]=[15.90 KHz−15KHz]=900 Hz or [5×15 KHz−14.15 KHz]=850 Hz from either side (e.g., upperor lower sideband) of the fundamental frequency or harmonics of thefirst signal. The modulating frequency in general is =|N×f1−f2|<f3,where N is an integer, f1 is the frequency of the first signal or pulsedwaveform (e.g., squarewave), f2 is the frequency of the second signal orsine wave signal, and f3 is an upper frequency limit and for example, f3is generally less than 2 KHz. A 4 KHz to 6 KHz low pass filter may beutilized as a filter to pass a band of frequencies to measure phase andfrequency modulation distortion at the pulsed waveform or squarewavefrequency of 3.18 KHz or 3 KHz. Alternatively, a band pass filter may beused at 3.18 KHz or 3 KHz, 9.54 KHz or 9 KHz to measure differentialphase and or frequency modulation of an amplifier at any of thesefrequencies (e.g., wherein the differential phase and frequencymodulation is induced by the 15 KHz or 14.15 KHz sine wave signal).

Alternatively, a low pass filter in the range of 10 KHz or higher (e.g.,11 KHz to 13 KHz) may be utilized to remove the sine wave signal of 15KHz or 14.15 KHz to determine or measure the differential phase and orfrequency modulation of a pulsed waveform comprising the fundamentalfrequency and at least one of its harmonics. For example, an 11 KHz to13 KHz low pass filter will pass the fundamental frequency and up to the3^(rd) harmonic of the pulsed waveform or squarewave signal to providemeasuring differential phase and or frequency modulation of a “filtered”pulse waveform or filtered squarewave wherein the differential phase andor frequency modulation is induced by the sine wave signal (e.g., 15 KHzor 14.15 KHz signal).

An embodiment may include coupling the TIM test signal that includes afirst signal and second signal to an input of an audio device, whereinthe first signal comprises a pulsed waveform, further coupling an outputof the audio device to an input of a filter or a cancellation circuitthat attenuates or removes a signal at the output of the audio devicerelated to the second signal, further coupling an output of the filteror cancellation circuit to a phase and or frequency detector to measuredifferential phase and or frequency modulation distortion from the audiodevice that is induced by the second signal. For example, the TIM testsignal comprising a 3.18 KHz or 3 KHz square wave signal combined with a15 KHz or 14.15 KHz sine wave signal (e.g., respectively) is coupled toan input of an audio device (e.g., amplifier), an output of the audiodevice is coupled to an input of a modifier such that at an output ofthe modifier, the 15 KHz or 14.15 KHz signal is attenuated while passingthe 3.18 KHz or 3 KHz squarewave from the output of the audio device toa phase and or frequency detector for measuring differential phase andor frequency modulation distortion that is induced by the second signal.Therefore, the differential phase and or frequency modulation distortionof the pulsed waveform or squarewave from the output of the audio deviceor amplifier is measured. A cancellation circuit may include adding anout of phase portion of the second signal derived from a generator thatprovides the second signal to the input of the amplifier to combine withthe output signal of the audio device such that the second signal at theoutput of the audio device is nulled or attenuated.

Another embodiment may include a modified TIM test signal. An example ofa modified TIM test signal comprises a first signal such as a (e.g., 3KHz) pulsed waveform (e.g., a waveform of duty cycle between 0% and100%, or a squarewave, or a waveform of wherein 1/[duty cycle] or thereciprocal of the duty cycle is a whole number or integer) that iscombined with a second signal whose frequency is higher than the 5^(th)or Nth harmonic, where N=integer. For example, a 3 KHz signal such as asquarewave (or pulsed waveform) is utilized for the first signal and a20 KHz signal (e.g., sine wave or arbitrary waveform) is utilized forthe second waveform. The 3 KHz signal may or may not include filteringwhen combined with the 20 KHz signal to form or provide a modified TIMtest signal. The modified TIM test signal is coupled to an input of anaudio device. An output of the audio device is coupled to an input of amodifier and an output of the modifier provides removal or attenuationof the 20 KHz signal from the output of the audio device. Also theoutput of the modifier provides signals related to the first signal formeasuring differential phase and frequency/modulation distortions at 3KHz, and N×3 KHz, where N=integer. For example, the modifier then passessignals related to the pulsed waveform at 3 KHz, 9 KHz, and or 15 KHz toallow measuring differential phase and or frequency modulation at 3 KHz,9 KHz, and or 15 KHz. The modifier may include one or more band passfilters to provide one or more outputs to pass separately signalscentered around 3 KHz, 9 KHz, and or 15 KHz. Each or at least one bandpass filter output may be coupled to phase and or frequency detectors tomeasure the differential phase and or frequency modulation distortion atone or more frequencies (e.g., 3 KHz, 9 KHz, and or 15 KHz), wherein thephase and frequency modulation frequency is |N×f1−f2|<f3, where N is aninteger, f1 is the frequency of the first signal or pulsed waveform(e.g., squarewave), f2 is the frequency of the second signal or sinewave signal, and f3 is an upper frequency limit and for example, f3 isgenerally less than 2 KHz. In this example, f1=3 KHz, N=7, f2=20 KHz,which results in 7×3 KHz−20 KHz=1 KHz=modulation frequency. Of coursethe modified (e.g., TIM) test signal may include frequencies other than3 KHz for f1 and or frequencies other than 15 KHz for f2.

An embodiment may include second modified TIM signal that includes afirst signal comprising a filtered pulsed waveform or a non symmetricalpulse in terms of duration and a second signal. The first signalcomprises signals of the fundamental frequency and harmonics with atleast one harmonic (e.g., Nth harmonic) attenuated by filtering orattenuated by the non symmetrical duration (e.g., if the reciprocal ofthe duty cycle is a whole number, P, then the pulse will provide asignal of the fundamental frequency and its harmonics except signalsrelated to the Pth harmonic and except signals whose frequency is everyharmonic that is a multiple of P) and the frequency of the second signalmay include a frequency in the range between the (N−1) or (P−1) harmonicand the (N+1) or (P+1) harmonic. This second modified TIM signal is thencoupled to an input of an audio device and an output of the audio deviceis coupled to a modifier to remove one or more signals related to thefirst and or second signals. The modifier also passes signals related tothe first signal from the audio device that is coupled to a phase and orfrequency detector to measure differential phase and or frequencymodulation (e.g., effects) of one or more signals related to the firstsignal from the output of the audio device.

And embodiment may include: An embodiment may include: A system formeasuring an induced phase or frequency modulation effect of, an audiodevice, wherein the audio device has an input and an output, comprising:a first generator for providing first signal comprising a pulsedwaveform and a second generator for providing a second signal whosefrequency is higher than the frequency of the first signal to an inputof the audio device; wherein the output of the audio device is coupledto a Wow and Flutter meter, a phase detector, and or a frequencymodulation detector; measuring via the phase detector and or thefrequency modulation detector the induced phase or frequency modulationeffect of one or more signals related to the pulsed waveform at theoutput of the audio device; and wherein the phase or frequencymodulation effect on one of the input signals is caused or induced bythe second signal coupled to the input of the audio device.

FIG. 24 shows a low frequency generator, 241, that is combined or summedvia 244 with one or more higher frequency generator(s), 242 and or 243.Generator 243 represents an Nth higher frequency generator. A lowerfrequency generator (e.g., generator 241) may include an arbitrarywaveform, a sinusoidal waveform, a pulsed waveform, a stairstep orstaircase waveform, bipolar waveform, and or (e.g. low pass) filter. Theoutput of the summer 244 is then connected or coupled to the DUT (deviceunder test). An output of the DUT, 245 is then coupled to one or morebandpass filters 246, 247, and or 248. Note: the higher frequency testtones or test signals may include frequency or frequencies of Fi and orFj. The bandpass filters are tuned or provide(s) a bandpass to frequencyor frequencies of the harmonic (e.g., frequency or frequencies of n×Fi)or intermodulation (e.g., frequency or frequencies of m×Fi+/−p×Fj)distortion signals. For example, if one of the higher frequency tones is1 kHz, the filters may be tuned or allow to pass signals at 2 kHz, 3kHz, and or n×1 kHz, etc. where n>=2 for example. The bandwidth of thefilters in the filter bank (e.g., 246, 247, and or 248) may besufficiently wide to avoid ringing. That is if the bandpass filters arenarrow in bandwidth, erroneous readings may occur because of ringingeffects from the low frequency signal (e.g., where a low frequencysignal includes a stairstep signal or 2 or more levels). One example ofbandwidth is in the order or 20% or more of the bandpass frequency. Ofcourse other bandwidth numbers may be used for minimizing ringing whileproviding an accurate real time analysis of the distortion.

The filter bank may (e.g., optionally) include one or more band rejectfilters. For example, the filter bank may include a notch or band rejectfilter that attenuates the one or more of the signals from an output ofthe DUT (Device Under Test).

One or more outputs from the filter bank (e.g., filters) is coupled to adisplay or measurement device to show the relative level or amplitude ofat least one distortion signal or distortion product.

One or more outputs from the filter bank (e.g., filters) is coupled to aphase and or frequency demodulator/detector to measure for differentialphase, phase modulation, and or frequency modulation distortion from oneor more distortion signal(s) or distortion product(s) from the DUT ordevice (e.g., via a device's or DUT's output terminal).

For example with a 6 kHz test tone and a stairstep signal (e.g., 20 msperiod or 5 steps), the bandpass filter at 12 kHz (e.g., second harmonicof 6 kHz) has a 4 kHz or more bandwidth. Note: An FFT analysis thatplaces the harmonic or intermodulation distortion in a bin typicallywill have narrow band characteristics that may cause an inaccuracy inthe measurement of time varying harmonic and or intermodulationdistortion.

FIG. 25 shows that phase and or frequency modulation effects from one ormore of the distortion signal from one or more of bandpass filters.Phase modulation and or frequency modulation detectors or demodulatorsshown in 251,252, and or 253 allow(s) measurement of dynamic phase shiftand or frequency shift from the harmonic and or intermodulationdistortion from the DUT. For example, the dynamic phase shift orfrequency shift is provided via the lower frequency signal inducing timevarying offset levels, which then causes some devices to produce varyingamounts of harmonic and or intermodulation distortion as a function ofthe offset voltage, which then can provide time varying phase andfrequency shifts in the harmonic and or intermodulation distortionsignal(s). Phase or frequency demodulator 252 or 253 may be optional.Phase or frequency demodulator 251 may be coupled to the output of anyone of the bandpass filters or any portion of the filter bank. One ormore bandpass filters may form or provide a filter bank. In terms ofbandwidth of the bandpass filters that comprise a filter bank,sufficient bandwidth is required to allow passage of sufficientsidebands around the frequency of the distortion product as to allowproper or accurate phase and or frequency demodulation. For example, toonarrow a bandwidth will produce erroneously low readings on the phaseand or frequency modulation effect from the DUT.

FFT may also be used to measure time varying harmonic and orintermodulation distortion.

Also note that the filter banks may be implemented in any combination ofanalog circuits, digital circuits, software, digital signal processing,and or computational apparatus.

Alternatively, an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) or DFT (Discrete FourierTransform) may be taken at any portion or interval of the lowerfrequency signal (e.g., block 241 in FIG. 24) at the output of the DUTto measure for harmonic and or intermodulation distortion. For example,if a stepped signal is used, filter banks as previously described may beused to measure time varying harmonic and or intermodulation distortion.Alternatively, an FFT can be applied during a portion of one or more ofthe steps of the stepped signals to provide a measurement of harmonicand or intermodulation distortion.

FIG. 26 shows an example measurement from a device under test (e.g., anop amp such as a TL082 op amp). The top trace shows harmonic distortionfor a 5 step signal example. The bottom trace shows the test signalwaveform, a 5 step staircase low frequency signal combined with a higherfrequency signals (e.g., a sinewave whose frequency is within an audiobandwidth of 22 kHz). The distortion displayed from the output showsmore distortion on the third step where the offset or stairstep voltageis zero than at other steps where there is a transient DC offset voltageon the first or second or fourth step. Note the fifth step whichrepresents measuring harmonic distortion where the output signal is nearthe negative rail or power supply, the harmonic distortion is largest inthis example. The harmonic distortion displayed in FIG. 26 may be thenth harmonic where n>=2.

Alternatively, a five step stairstep signal may be replaced with anN-step stair step signal, where n>=2. This stairstep signal may includeeven or uneven levels and or the steps themselves may include a flat ornon-flat slope. The step can include another waveform riding on top of astep. The waveform may be stepping in levels up, level, and or down.

The stairstep signal may be replaced or included with a ramp signal, atriangle wave signal, a sawtooth signal, wherein a ramp portion may belinear or nonlinear.

Yet an alternative to a stairstep signal includes a sinusoidal signalthat is modulated or unmodulated, or another alternative includes a rampsignal.

Yet another alternative is to and one or more higher frequency signalswith a lower frequency arbitrary signal as a test signal. This testsignal is measured for dynamic harmonic and or intermodulationdistortion. Any of the one or more higher frequency signals and or thelower frequency signal may include an unmodulated and or modulatedsignal. Examples of modulated signals includes one or more of thefollowing type(s) of modulation in any combination of one or moreincluding: frequency modulation, pulse code modulation, deltamodulation, phase modulation amplitude modulation, I and or Qmodulation, quadrature modulation, vestigial sideband modulation, singlesideband modulation, double sideband modulation with or without carrier,and or one or more modulation signals.

Any harmonic distortion signal can also be tested for one or morefrequency shift(s) or phase shift(s) due to a stairstep signal oranother signal that may include an arbitrary waveform.

FIG. 27 shows a different example of a low frequency signal. A lowfrequency sine wave replaces the stairstep waveform and two or more testsignals of higher frequencies are combined or added to the low frequencysine wave signal to provide a test signal for evaluating time varyingintermodulation distortion of the nth order where n>=2. For example, thelower frequency signal may have a frequency<1 kHz, and the two or moretest signals added to the lower frequency signal may be >10 kHz. Ofcourse other frequencies may be used.

FIG. 28 shows an example of time varying intermodulation distortion froman amplifier or audio device (e.g., an LM1458 op amp). The top traceshows the low frequency sine wave signal and the bottom trace showsintermodulation distortion (e.g., 2^(nd) order intemodulation distortionor nth order intermodulation distortion) that is time varying. At nearthe zero crossing of the lower frequency signal on the top trace, theintermodulation distortion is at a minimum, and the bottom trace alsoshows that during the positive cycle of the lower frequency signal, theintemodulation distortion is lower than during the negative cycle. Alsonote that the time varying intermodulation distortion in this exampleresembles a “dumb-bell” pattern during the negative cycle of the lowerfrequency signal (e.g., sinewave on top trace).

Note that the low frequency signal that causes the time varyingintermodulation distortion (e.g., from the two or more higher frequencysignals) is not limited to a sinewave signal. Other waveforms may beused. For example, any of the following may be used in any combination(e.g., with another or by itself): an arbitrary waveform, a stairstepsignal, sinusoidal waveform, pulse waveform, ramp waveform, modulatedwaveform, etc.

From the intermodulation distortion signal, not only the amplitude canbe measure for determining time varying (e.g., strength or amplitude)amount(s) of intermodulation signal, but also optionally, phase and orfrequency modulation can be measured from any (e.g., or one or more) ofthe intermodulation distortion signals.

In general, the pattern of the time varying harmonic and orintermodulation distortion is hard to predict and direct measurement isused to determine the “pattern” or distribution of the time varying ordynamic harmonic and or intermodulation. For example, there are someamplifiers that will show harmonic distortion in one or two of the fivesteps (or N) of a five (or N) step staircase or stairstep signal. Butother amplifiers will show a different distribution of distortion overthe different steps. Likewise in some amplifiers, there will be littleor close to zero intermodulation distortion during one cycle of thelower frequency signal, and quite measurable intermodulation distortionin the other cycle of the lower frequency signal.

An alternative to measuring differential phase, phase modulation, and orfrequency modulation is to couple a distortion signal (e.g., harmonic orintermodulation) to a spectrum analyzer and determine by the sidebandcontent which may include phase information of the sidebands of thedistortion signal to measure phase and or frequency modulation in thedistortion product. The distortion product may be filtered and coupledto a limiting circuit (e.g., to remove AM distortion components whilepassing phase or frequency modulation distortion) before coupling to aspectrum analyzer, wherein the spectrum analyzer may include an FFT orFT (Fast Fourier or Fourier).

Determining time varying harmonic and or intermodulation distortion mayinclude: A method and or apparatus of measuring a time vary or dynamicharmonic and or intermodulation distortion (e.g., signal) from an audiodevice, wherein the audio device has an input and an output, comprising:providing a first signal comprising a pulsed waveform and a secondsignal whose frequency is higher than the frequency of the first signalto an input of the audio device; coupling the output of the audio deviceto an input of one or more bandpass filters (e.g., may include a filterbank), wherein the one or more bandpass filter provides a filter bank,and wherein the one or more bandpass filters includes at least oneoutput terminal; measuring the harmonic and or intermodulationdistortion via measuring or displaying the amplitude level from one ormore output terminals of the bandpass filters to provide a time varyingharmonic and or intermodulation distortion measurement of the audiodevice. Or any of the harmonic and or intermodulation distortion signalsmay be coupled to any of: a phase demodulator, phase detector, frequencydemodulator, and or the like, to measure for phase modulation, timevarying phase, differential phase, time varying frequency, and orfrequency modulation from any of the harmonic and or intermodulationdistortion signals (e.g., from the output of a DUT, device under test).It should be noted that: Any of the harmonic and or intermodulationdistortion signals may be coupled to an amplitude modulation (AM) signaldemodulator or detector to measure for differential gain or time varyingamplitude from any of the harmonic and or intermodulation distortionsignals (e.g., from the output of a DUT, device under test). Or any ofthe harmonic and or intermodulation distortion signals may be coupled toan amplitude detector for measuring differential gain or time varyingamplitude from any of the harmonic and or intermodulation distortionsignals (e.g., from the output of a DUT, device under test).

One or more outputs from the filter bank (e.g., filters) or filters iscoupled to a display or measurement device to show the relative level oramplitude of at least one distortion signal or distortion product (e.g.,any Nth order intermodulation distortion product or any Nth orderharmonic distortion product and or wherein N is a whole number) from thedevice or DUT (e.g., via a device's or DUT's output terminal).

One or more outputs from the filter bank (e.g., filters) is coupled to aphase and or frequency demodulator/detector to measure for differentialphase, phase modulation, and or frequency modulation distortion from oneor more distortion signal(s) or distortion product(s) from the DUT ordevice (e.g., via a device's or DUT's output terminal). A distortionproduct may include for example any Nth order intermodulation distortionproduct or any Nth order harmonic distortion product.

For testing dynamic harmonic distortion, a test signal may include a lowfrequency signal (e.g., arbitrary signal) combined with one or more sinewave signals (e.g., including having a higher frequency than the lowerfrequency signal). This test signal is coupled to an input of a DUT(Device Under Test), and an output of the DUT is coupled to a filterbank or a short time Fourier Transform. A filter bank outputs at leastone signal that is indicative of a distortion product or distortionsignal. For example, the distortion signal may include a harmonicdistortion signal. This distortion signal from the filter bank may betime varying in amplitude, phase, and or frequency. The distortionsignal from the filter bank is coupled to an amplitude, phasemodulation, and or frequency modulation measurement device (e.g.,amplitude detector/demodulator, phase detector/demodulator, and orfrequency detector/demodulator). The measurement device will provide atime varying signal indicative of time varying amplitude, phase, and orfrequency of the distortion signal. A short time Fourier Transformprovides measurement of (e.g., time varying) amplitude, phasemodulation, and or frequency modulation of the distortion signal.

For testing dynamic intermodulation distortion, a test signal mayinclude a low frequency signal (e.g., arbitrary signal) combined withtwo or more signals (e.g., including having a higher frequency than thelower frequency signal). This test signal is coupled to an input of aDUT (Device Under Test), and an output of the DUT is coupled to a filterbank or a short time Fourier Transform. Filter bank outputs at least onesignal that is indicative of a distortion product or distortion signal.For example the distortion signal may include an intermodulation (orharmonic) distortion signal. This distortion signal from the filter bankmay be time varying in amplitude, phase, and or frequency. Thedistortion signal from the filter bank is coupled to an amplitude, phasemodulation, and or frequency modulation measurement device (e.g.,amplitude detector/demodulator, phase detector/demodulator, and orfrequency modulation detector/demodulator). The measurement device willprovide a time varying signal indicative of time varying amplitude,phase, and or frequency of the distortion signal. A short time FourierTransform provides measurement of (e.g., time varying) amplitude, phasemodulation, and or frequency modulation of the distortion signal. Alimiter function or limiting circuit may precede the phase demodulator,frequency modulation demodulator, and or spectrum analysis or (e.g.,short time) Fourier Transform. For example, the output of one of thefilter banks is coupled to the input of a limiter circuit and the outputof the limiter circuit is coupled to the phase demodulator, frequencymodulation demodulator, and or spectrum analyzer or (e.g., short time)Fourier Transform to measure for phase modulation and or frequencymodulation effects of a distortion signal (e.g., a harmonic and orintermodulation distortion signal(s)).

Other unexpected results in measuring for phase and frequency modulationdistortions includes:

1) Differential phase in some amplifiers increase when the low frequencysignal is increased in frequency. In many cases increasing the amplitudegives an increase in differential phase distortion. However in somecases increasing the frequency of the low frequency signal increases theamount of differential phase or phase modulation and or the amount offrequency modulation (e.g., frequency shift). Furthermore, in some casesthe frequency the signal from the phase and or frequency demodulator istwice the frequency of the low frequency signal. For example, for thesignal seen in FIG. 7A with a low frequency signal whose frequency is FLis combined with a higher frequency signal whose frequency is FH, byincreasing FL (e.g., FL→K×FL=FL′, where K>1), the measured differentialphase increased and or the measured differential phase waveform was 2×FL(or 2×FL′). Some amplifiers having a differential pair amplifier in theinput stage exhibited this twice frequency (e.g., 2×FL) waveform fromthe phase or FM detector. By having the differential phase distortiondependent on the lower frequency test signal (e.g., FL), this resultedin some cases in an accelerated increase in FM distortion (e.g., whenthe lower frequency signal with for example, frequency FL, isincreased). Normally the FM distortion rises linearly with the linearincrease in frequency of the lower frequency signal (e.g., when theamplitude of the low frequency signal is essentially or substantiallyconstant in amplitude). However, when the amplitude or amount ofdifferential phase also increases with frequency, the frequencymodulation (e.g., frequency shift of the higher frequency signal whosefrequency is FH) distortion rises more rapidly (e.g., beyond rising in alinear relationship). The doubling in frequency distortion can bereduced by linearizing further the input stage of the amplifier bychanging device from bipolar to field effect transistors or vacuumtubes, or by adding (e.g., local) feedback in the input stage (e.g.,adding diodes and or resistors in series with the emitters of thedifferential pair input stage).

2) In the TIM test for phase and frequency modulation distortion, thephase modulation and frequency modulation distortion was moresubstantial when compared to AM distortion. For example, the sidebandsaround fundamental frequency and harmonics of the squarewave signal(e.g., 3 kHz or 3.18 kHz) are primarily due to phase or frequencymodulation (e.g., via a smaller amplitude higher frequency signal attypically >3 kHz or 3.18 kHz added to the pulse waveform or squarewavesignal). For example, if a band pass filter is place at the fundamentalfrequency (or a harmonic frequency of the fundamental frequency) of thepulse or squarewave signal (e.g., 3 kHz or 6 kHz or N×3 kHz, where N isa whole number) after the DUT, the resulting signal in some cases willshow very little amplitude modulation or variation, but will insteadshow quite measurable phase and or frequency shift or modulation. One ormore amplifiers that did exhibit phase and or frequency modulationdistortion included a sinusoidal phase and or frequency modulation(e.g., with a TIM test signal). One or more amplifiers that did exhibitphase and or frequency modulation distortion included a sinusoidal phaseand or frequency modulation (e.g., with a TIM test signal) whosefrequency was typically less than 3 kHz.

3) Cross-modulation with phase modulation occurs a two (or more) signalsare coupled to a device or DUT (e.g., amplifier or audio device or audioamplifier) wherein at least one of the signals (e.g., at least one ofthe signals is an audio signal or signal that fall within an audiobandwidth) includes modulation (e.g., AM, FM, phase modulation, PAM(pulse amplitude modulation), PSK (Phase Shift Keying), FSK (FrequencyShift Keying). In at least one instance the cross-modulation distortioninduced from another signal may include more phase and or frequencymodulation than amplitude modulation. And in another instance thecross-modulation distortion induced from another signal may include moreamplitude modulation than phase and or frequency modulation. If thereare relative phase shifts between the frequencies of the two or moresignals coupled to the device or DUT, the cross-modulation distortion(e.g., cross-modulation distortion signal or product) may includesubstantially more phase and or frequency modulation than amplitudemodulation. For example, a modulated signal (e.g., including amplitudemodulation) with a carrier frequency f2, and another signal withfrequency, f1, is coupled to an input of the device or DUT. If there therelative phase shift through the device or DUT (e.g., comparing theinput and output phase of signals at f1 and f2) is approximately 90degrees between the signals with frequencies f1 and f2, at the output ofthe DUT or device may include a modulated signal whose frequency is f1that includes substantially phase and or frequency modulation distortioncompared to amplitude modulation distortion. One example may includewhere f1<f2, and or yet another example includes where f1>f2.

4) A higher carrier frequency AM signal combined with a lower frequencysignal into a device can produce phase and or frequency modulationeffects on the lower frequency signal. If the frequency of themodulation signal for the AM signal is F_(mod), for some devices such asamplifiers, the resulting phase and or frequency modulation on the lowerfrequency signal will have a frequency that includes twice themodulation frequency or 2×F_(mod). In some cases the 2×F_(mod) phase orfrequency modulating signal for the lower frequency signal is large inamplitude than the fundamental frequency signal (e.g., that also phaseand or frequency modulates the lower frequency signal.)

One embodiment includes as an example a method or apparatus formeasuring a time varying or dynamic harmonic and or intermodulationdistortion from an audio device, wherein the audio device has an inputand an output, comprising providing a first signal comprising anarbitrary waveform and a second signal comprising at least one signalwhose frequency is higher than the frequency of the first signal to aninput of the audio device; coupling the output of the audio device to aninput of one or more bandpass filters, wherein the one or more bandpassfilter provides a filter bank, and wherein the one or more bandpassfilters includes at least one output terminal; measuring the harmonicand or intermodulation distortion via measuring or displaying theamplitude level from one or more output terminals of the bandpassfilters to provide a time varying harmonic and or intermodulationdistortion measurement of the audio device.

As another example, at least one signal of the harmonic and orintermodulation distortion is further coupled to a phase demodulator andor frequency modulation detector to measure phase modulation,differential phase, and or frequency modulation in the harmonic and orintermodulation distortion signal.

As yet another example, at least one signal of the harmonic and orintermodulation distortion is further coupled to a Fourier Transform orshort time Fourier Transform to measure for phase modulation,differential phase, and or frequency modulation in the harmonic and orintermodulation distortion signal.

Another example would include wherein the Fourier Transform or shorttime Fourier Transform includes any combination of a Fast FourierTransform, Discrete Fourier Transform, continuous time FourierTransform, and or Discrete Time Fourier Transform.

Note for example that at least at least one signal associated with theharmonic and or intermodulation distortion is coupled to a spectrumanalyzer for spectrum analysis for measuring phase modulation,differential phase, and or frequency modulation in the at least onesignal associated with the harmonic and or intermodulation distortion.It should be noted that for example, the first signal includes anycombination a pulse waveform, stairstep waveform, a ramp waveform, asinusoidal waveform, and or a modulated waveform and or that the secondwaveform includes one or more sinusoidal waveforms.

As a another example, at least at least one signal associated with theharmonic and or intermodulation distortion is coupled to a spectrumanalyzer for spectrum analysis for measuring phase modulation,differential phase, and or frequency modulation in the at least onesignal associated with the harmonic and or intermodulation distortion.As another example, the first signal includes any combination of a pulsewaveform, stairstep waveform, a ramp waveform, a sinusoidal waveform,and or a modulated waveform. It should be noted that as another example,the second waveform includes one or more sinusoidal waveforms. Yetanother example would include that the second waveform comprises one ormore arbitrary waveforms.

Another example embodiment would include a system for measuring phasemodulation or frequency modulation effects of a cross-modulationdistortion product or signal from an output of a device (e.g., audiodevice) comprising: combining a first and second signal (e.g., whereinat least one of the signals includes an audio bandwidth signal) to aninput of the (e.g., audio) device, wherein the first and or secondsignal includes at least one modulated signal; further comprisingcoupling an output signal from the (e.g., audio) device to an input of afilter, coupling an output of the filter to a phase detector and orfrequency modulation detector to measure for phase and or frequencymodulation distortion of a cross-modulation distortion product orsignal, wherein the output of the filter includes a cross-modulationdistortion signal. For example, the first and or second signal includesan amplitude modulated signal, or for example, the amplitude modulatedsignal includes the multiplication of a modulating signal and carriersignal. In terms of amplitude modulation, for example, the amplitudemodulated signal includes a carrier signal and or a modulated signal. Asanother example (e.g., related to cross-modulation and or to audiofrequencies), the first and or second signal includes a signal of anycombination of amplitude modulation, double sideband suppressed carrieramplitude modulation, single sideband amplitude modulation, frequencymodulation, phase modulation, pulse code modulation, pulse amplitudemodulation, pulse position modulation, and or pulse width modulation.

Any signal, or signals, that is, or are, utilized for testing (or formeasuring differential gain, differential phase, and or frequencymodulation distortion) may include and arbitrary signal. For example bysynthesizing a signal or waveform via a series of discrete time valuessuch as generated from a computational circuit, module, and or program,and or wherein the values are read from a memory device. In general, anysignal or signals for testing may be provided via in an analog domain,digital domain, and or software domain.

This disclosure is illustrative and not limiting; further modificationswill be apparent to one skilled in the art and are intended to fallwithin the scope of the appended claims and or of the embodimentsdescribed.

That which is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for measuring frequencymodulation effects of a signal having cross modulation distortion froman audio device comprising: the audio device includes an input terminaland an output terminal; providing a first signal source and a secondsignal source, wherein the first signal source has a first frequency andthe second signal source has a second frequency, and wherein the firstfrequency is different from the second frequency; the second signalsource including a modulated signal; combining the first signal sourceand second signal source and coupling the first signal source and thesecond signal source to the input terminal of the audio device; a bandpass filter circuit including an input terminal and an output terminal,wherein the band pass filter circuit passes signals related to the firstfrequency; further comprising coupling the output terminal of the audiodevice to the input terminal of the band pass filter, wherein the outputterminal of the bandpass filter circuit includes a signal having crossmodulation distortion, and wherein the signal having cross modulationdistortion has a frequency of the first frequency; and coupling theoutput terminal of the filter to a frequency modulation detector tomeasure for frequency modulation distortion of the signal having crossmodulation distortion from the output terminal of the audio device, andwherein the frequency modulation distortion includes a shift in thefirst frequency.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first or secondsignal includes at least one amplitude modulated signal.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2 wherein the amplitude modulated signal includes themultiplication of a modulating signal and carrier signal.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 2 wherein the amplitude modulated signal includes acarrier signal.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and orsecond signal includes a signal of any combination of amplitudemodulation, double sideband suppressed carrier amplitude modulation,single sideband amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phasemodulation, pulse code modulation, pulse amplitude modulation, pulseposition modulation, and or pulse width modulation.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising measuring for amplitude modulation distortionin the signal having cross modulation distortion.
 7. A method formeasuring phase modulation or frequency modulation effects of a signalhaving cross modulation distortion from an audio device comprising: theaudio device includes an input and an output; providing a first signaland a second signal; the second signal including a modulated signal;combining the first signal and the second signal and coupling the firstsignal and the second signal to the input of the audio device; abandpass filter including an input terminal and an output terminal;further comprising coupling the output of the audio device to the inputterminal of the bandpass filter, wherein the output terminal of thebandpas filter includes the signal having cross-modulation distortion;and coupling the output terminal of the bandpass filter to a frequencymodulation detector to measure frequency modulation distortion of thesignal having cross-modulation distortion from the audio device.
 8. Themethod of claim 7 wherein the first or second signal includes at leastone amplitude modulated signal.
 9. The method of claim 8 wherein theamplitude modulated signal includes the multiplication of a modulatingsignal and carrier signal.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein theamplitude modulated signal includes a carrier signal.
 11. The method ofclaim 7 wherein the first or second signal includes a signal of anycombination of amplitude modulation, double sideband suppressed carrieramplitude modulation, single sideband amplitude modulation, frequencymodulation, phase modulation, pulse code modulation, pulse amplitudemodulation, pulse position modulation, or pulse width modulation. 12.The method of claim 7 further comprising measuring for amplitudemodulation distortion in the signal having cross modulation distortion.